Posted on 10/10/2010 10:59:43 AM PDT by nickcarraway
Pet lovers are being warned against a cut-price scam which could leave them with an "ex-parrot" on their hands.
Trading standards officers across the country have received a catalogue of complaints worthy of the famous Monty Python sketch.
In each case, exotic birds sent to people who responded to internet or newspaper advertisements have died soon after arrival.
In the 1969 “Dead Parrot Sketch”, Mr Praline, played by John Cleese, returns a Norwegian Blue to a pet shop within half an hour protesting it “has ceased to be”. The shopkeeper, played by Michael Palin, tries to convince him the parrot is only resting despite having nailed it to its perch.
Real-life customers, however, are unable to take up the matter with the sellers whose mobile phones are disconnected after the purchase.
The problem has arisen through domestic pets including parrots and puppies which are being offered for sale or adoption for an eye-catchingly small fee. RSPCA inspectors are investigating the subsequent deaths of three parrots sold to families in the South Tyneside area.
They are working with trading standards and environmental standards officials in trying to track down the seller. Each family bought the birds through a private advert offering a baby parrot and cage for sale for £155. It is believed the parrots were in fact common parakeets which live in the wild and are dying from the shock of being held in captivity.
A South Tyneside council spokesman said: “Consumers thinking of purchasing animals should always take steps to check they are buying from a reputable person to avoid disappointment.
(Excerpt) Read more at telegraph.co.uk ...
Say, Bank of America should start selling parrots! We all really trust them!!
Oh yes, the, ah, the Norwegian Blue...
Shop Owner : Yeah! You stunned him, just as he was wakin’ up! Norwegian Blues stun easily, major.
Mr. Praline : Look my lad, I’ve had just about enough of this. That parrot is definitely deceased, and when I bought it not half an hour ago, you assured me that its total lack of movement was due to it being tired and shagged out after a long squawk.
I thought he just was a very quiet bird.
Its pining for the fjords...
Tyneside, eh?
Ye kin always tell a Geordie - ye jist canna tell ‘im much!
‘Oo’s a-gannen, hinny?
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