Harry Potter Birds Neglected

According to a story from BBC News, the falconer who supplied nine eagle owls for a scene in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire has been jailed for animal neglect. In addition to owls, Kenneth Lea kept falcons, hawks, buzzards and chickens in unhygienic conditions, and some of the birds required veterinary care for chronic injuries to their talons, beaks, feet and wings.

Lea had hoped to one day establish a bird sanctuary but lost funding for the project. Because of the scale of the neglect, Lea has been sentenced to 12 weeks in jail and banned from keeping animals for five years.

What retribution do you think should be necessary for neglected birds of prey? Fines, community service, a lifetime falconry ban or something different? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Eagle Owl
Photo © Andrew