Police Rescue Parrot After Owner Puts It In Microwave

Police have rescued a parrot and are investigating its owner after she put the bird named ‘Oscar’ into a microwave as a “joke” and posted pictures online.

White-capped parrot Oscar was “not harmed”, and she snapped the pictures out of “boredom”, owner Sheron Lai said of the incident from 4th May.

Ms Lai, who lives in the town of Tung Chung in Hong Kong, was flooded with angry comments and later threatening phone calls after her Facebook images showed Oscar standing inside the microwave with the door closed and the light on.

With the device’s power turned up to its maximum of nine, Ms Lai captioned the picture “roasted pigeon”.

Credit: AsiaWire
Sheron Lai and her pet parrot ‘Oscar’

After realising she had caused an uproar among animal lovers, she deleted the images and apologised, saying her pet parrot was “safe and sound”, and that her actions were meant as a “joke”.

That did not stop Hong Kong police and members of the local SPCA from visiting her home.

Oscar was removed from her care and examined for injuries, while Ms Lai was questioned by officers at Lantau North Police Station.

The authorities said they were investigating Ms Lai on suspicion of breaching the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Regulations.

According to the SPCA, those found guilty of animal abuse face a fine of 200,000 HKD (20,940 GBP).

Credit: AsiaWire
Sheron Lai and her pet parrot ‘Oscar’

The examination found no obvious injuries on the parrot, but the bird remains in police custody, reports said.

Ms Lai told local media: “The netizens wouldn’t stop hurling insults at me and my family. Curses and attacks.

“I often put Oscar in boxes or in the cupboard to play hide-and-seek with him.

“Of course, I didn’t turn the microwave on.

“I’ve had him for 11 years. I would never hurt him.”

Credit: AsiaWire
Pet parrot ‘Oscar’

Ms Lai said she had also filed police complaints against those who harassed her over the telephone.

No arrests had been made at the time of writing.


To find out more about the author, editor or agency that supplied this story – please click below.
Story By: John FengSub-EditorMichael Leidig, Agency: Asia Wire Report

The Ananova page is created by and dedicated to professional, independent freelance journalists. It is a place for us to showcase our work. When our news is sold to our media partners, we will include the link here.

GET THE NEW STORIE ON TIME!!!!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Signup to our Newsletter