(CMR) Parrot registration is now required for anyone owning a native Cayman parrot.
The Department of Environment (DoE) will be given owners six months to register their birds with them. The registration period runs from 1 September 2019 to 29 February 2020.
After February 2020, any unregistered Cayman parrots that are still being kept as pets may be seized by DoE conservation officers, and the bird’s owners can be fined for possessing or keeping them illegally.
“We’re trying to correct a problem with illegal parrot ownership that has been allowed to persist for going on 20 years. “These Cayman parrots are a protected species under the National Conservation Law, as they were under the Animals Law, and really shouldn’t be kept as house pets. However, we know hundreds of people do keep them and, if they are being responsible, we want to give them a chance to continue to keep their birds.”
DoE Terrestrial Resources Unit manager Fred Burton
During the parrot amnesty period, residents may contact the DoE at 949-8469 or via email at [email protected] and a DoE team will attend their location to register the parrot. Information is available online.
The registration process involves assigning each pet parrot an identification number imprinted on a small band around the parrot’s leg and implanting an identification chip, called a PIT tag, similar to the ID tags used to register other pets such as dogs and cats.
DoE officers will provide a health check, as well as advice during the visit on how best to care for Cayman parrots. This service is free of charge.
Officially registered Cayman parrots may still be kept as pets. However, after February 2020, no more parrots will be registered and anyone keeping an unregistered parrot will be doing so illegally.
- Fascinated
- Happy
- Sad
- Angry
- Bored
- Afraid
