THE VET'S ROLE IN RECOVERING BIRDS
VETERINARIANS - PART OF THE NETWORK
The veterinarian's office is a valuable lookout for stolen birds purchased by people bringing in "new birds" for a first time visit. Incorporating the veterinarian into the NETWORK will be an asset in the recovery of stolen or lost birds.
If your bird is stolen or you are networking to help recover stolen birds, alert your veterinarian and all others in the area immediately. Provide a written description of the missing bird to the veterinarian and office staff. State whether you can positively identify your property, through microchipping, etc.
The receptionist is the one person that will greet walk-ins and answer phone calls. Some walk-ins have no idea of the cost of health care to birds, and will immediately leave the office. If it is suspected that a walk-in has a stolen bird, or has a severely injured bird and refuses to give health care, at the least a vehicle tag or phone number can be retrieved and the authorities notified.
SCANNING
Some veterinarians automatically scan a bird for a microchip if it has a questionable history, or if there is some other indication that a bird is stolen. Encourage all veterinarians in all parts of the country to scan birds coming in for checkups, emergencies, health certificates, etc.
PROTECTION
As a means to discourage theft and protect the bird community, the veterinarian instructs clients as to the importance of microchipping. They are also responsible through education, for the high percentage of pet birds that are microchipped. The veterinarian encourages owners to be private with their birds.
If your veterinarian or any other veterinarian tells you that they are not "The Beak Police," change vets immediately. Such veterinarians are not showing concern for their income-providing clients, or for the avicultural community, which also supports their business.