ISPCA tweets to the public for assistance with goldfinch Jonesy
A chatty goldfinch by the name of Jonesy is currently in the care of the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA), after a member of the public spotted the bird sporting a ring around its leg, calling the the Society for help after it stayed in their garden for a number of days.
While enquiries have been made in the Monkstown area of Co Cork, where Jonesy was found, no owner has been found. The ISPCA has issued an appeal to the public for help with tracking down the bird's owner.
It is believed that the bird would have difficulty in the wild, if left to its own devices: Jonesy's leg has been 'ringed', and the Society believes that the bird was bred in captivity.
In a social media post, ISPCA Senior Inspector Lisa O’Donovan said: “It’s so sad to see such a beautiful bird like Jonesy being kept in captivity.
"They are popular because of their striking sound and colouring. However, Jonesy and other similar birds kept in captivity, simply won’t survive in the wild if they escape or are released."
The video that accompanied the post shows Jonesy in its current environment, making the characteristic tweets and chirps that have endeared the bird's species to birdwatchers and nature lovers around the world.
"Jonesy is content in his new environment", adds O'Donovan, "but we do hope to reunite him with his owner, or, alternatively, find him a responsible new home, with an experienced owner."
The bird's discovery has also brought attention to the issues surrounding the capture and breeding of certain species of birds, and O'Donovan has warned the public against such activities, citing the laws in place for wildlife protection.
“While we believe that Jonesy was captive-bred, these sorts of birds are sometimes illegally taken from the wild. Members of the public should be aware that trapping these birds in the wild is an offence under the Wildlife Acts."
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