By Alesha Capone
BRAZEN burglars have stolen two ill barn owls, who need daily medical attention, from volunteer wildlife carers in Werribee.
Police said the crime occurred between 10pm on Thursday 25 August and 8am on Friday 26 August, when unknown offenders entered the rear yard of a Meek St house.
After entering the property’s shed, the thieves stole the two owls, which were being looked after by wildlife carers from Wildlife Out West (WOW).
“According to police, they saw the owls and thought they were the opportune species to take, as they would be more valuable,” said one of the carers, who asked not to be named.
“It’s absolutely shocking that someone had the audacity to come onto our property and take two owls who needed our care.”
The volunteer, who has been a wildlife carer for more than three years, said she and her husband gave the owls nicknames so they would remember the locations they were found in.
One of the missing owls was named Hedwig, after Harry Potter’s famous owl.
The younger stolen owl was dubbed Budget, after the workplace of the lady who found him in Werribee.
The carer appealed for whoever took the birds to return them to their wildlife carers, as both were at risk of dying if they did not receive the correct medical attention.
“Hedwig had one of his air pockets leaking air into his body cavity,” she said.
If anyone has information in relation to the incident contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
