A PENSIONER is desperately searching for an African Grey which, he believes, was stolen from his home on Jackson Street in Shelly Beach earlier today.
Norman Riley (75) had gone to the shops between 11.30am and 12.30pm and arrived home to discover an empty cage and Dugle the parrot gone. The bird’s cage was kept on Mr Riley’s veranda.
Mr Riley is adamant that Dugle has been stolen, as the lock of the cage’s door had been opened. Dugle’s wings are clipped to prevent him from flying away.
Mr Riley said that, during a power cut last night, he saw somebody snooping on his property with a torch. When he shone his own torch at the lurking man, the intruder ran down the lawn and jumped over the wall. He believes the thief had waited for him to leave his home, so he could steal the bird.
To make matters worse, Mr Riley was looking after the parrot for his son, who returns home from England tomorrow. He has been looking after the bird for the last four weeks.
The one-year-old bird is very tame and has a purple or blue ring on his foot.
The family pet has just started talking and can say ‘hello’ and a few other words.
Anyone who can help Mr Riley can contact him at 039 3156579.
