Bird's death at prison is under investigation

Bill Cleverley
Times Colonist

Friday, November 04, 2005

SPCA and prison officials are investigating the death and dismemberment of a gyrfalcon that landed on William Head prison grounds.

Prison officials turned over the bird's body to the SPCA's ARC wild animal rehabilitation centre Oct. 26. The SPCA contacted the owner by tracing the bird's transmitter.

SPCA chief animal protection officer Shawn Eccles said details about the bird's death are sketchy. He said prison officials apparently contacted the SPCA when the bird landed.

"They were advised to let it go because it was owned by somebody and it would fly back to the owner. The following day, parts of the body were submitted to our Wild ARC in Metchosin, which is right next to William Head, and there was quite a concern that this animal had been killed," Eccles said.

"The difficulty for us now is we have to determine how the animal was killed and whether or not there was any pain or suffering involved in the killing."

Eccles has sent the falcon's body for tests to see whether there's any chemical imbalance. He said the bird's wings and talons had been removed.

Gyrfalcons, which are not indigenous to B.C., can sell for $4,000 or more.

William Head warden Michael Gallagher would not comment, other than to confirm that the bird had turned up dead and to say an investigation is being conducted and should be concluded by the end of the week.

Eccles said the investigation leading to possible charges poses a number of challenges.

"Of course some of the difficulties we're faced with in this case is that we don't exactly have freedom of access to the individuals who might be involved, just because of the location of the incident."

Normally, cruelty charges are laid using provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. That act wouldn't have any relevance in this case, Eccles said, because investigators charge an individual with an offence only if the person is responsible for the animal -- either the owner or someone who has care and custody.

Eccles said charges could be laid under the Criminal Code if someone wilfully caused the bird pain and suffering.

Much depends on the prison's internal investigation, he said. "We're full of questions at this point."