Sue Mariner: Woman risks facing $2875 fine over pet parakeet that is 'too big' for her property
QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA: A woman in Queensland is at risk of receiving a substantial fine of $2,875 if she does not find a new home for her pet bird. This is because the bird, an Alexandrine parakeet named Bud, is considered "too big" for her property according to council guidelines.
Sue Mariner, who recently relocated from Sydney to Bribie Island with Bud, has been faced with complaints from her neighbors who do not share her fondness for the bird's company. Moreton Bay Council has presented Mariner with an ultimatum: either find a new home for Bud within 14 days or face a significant fine.
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'The bird was too loud'
"I was shocked when the ranger came out and informed me [the bird was too loud], so I now keep him inside as not to [annoy] the neighbours," she told Yahoo News. The root of the problem, as she explained, is Bud's morning routine, which includes spending some time outside to get some fresh air. While outside, he engages in vocal communication with other birds, leading to complaints from the neighbors about the noise.
Upon the ranger's visit to her residence and upon inspecting her pet bird, the ranger reportedly informed her that the bird was "too big" for her property. According to the Moreton Bay Regional Council, the Alexandrine Parakeet falls under the same category as large parrots, cockatoos, and galahs, and therefore, it is not permissible to keep them on properties that are smaller than 1000 square meters.
'He's smaller than a pigeon'
Mariner expressed her complete surprise upon learning of this rule and expressed that she found it difficult to comprehend. "I went and had a look on (the) Moreton Bay (Council's) rules and regulations. You can have 40 pigeons in your backyard or 3 chickens, but I can't have one Bud," she said. "He's smaller than a pigeon."
Council explains rule on pet birds
Moreton Bay Council released a statement explaining that they regulate based on complaints, and in the past, they have received many complaints from residents about "large parrots." "The smaller birds such as pigeons are comparatively far less frequent due to their quiet nature," a spokesperson said. "Many large parrots are known to be raucous and loud with piercing screeches and screams. As a result, Council does not permit large parrots on properties that are 1000 m2 or less".