RSPCA 'dumbfounded by man who drove with parrot on windscreen
Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at 4:00 THE RSPCA are "dumbfounded" by the stupidity of a man who recklessly drove with his pet bird grasping his windscreen wiper.
The video depicts a man accelerating, then breaking sharply in an emergency lane on the Eastern Freeway with a bird on the outside of his car.
Another video shows the man turning on his windscreen wipers while the bird is sitting on them.
It is unclear if he was filming while driving.
RSPCA Manager of Inspectorate Services Greg Boland said he is dumbfounded by the man's stupidity.
"He has placed this parrot in a position whereby it is likely to be caused unnecessary pain or suffering, which is an offence under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and can carry severe penalties,'' Mr Boland said.
"The fact that in numerous clips he deliberately tries to dislodge the bird from the windshield wiper and compromise its safety even further, is beyond unacceptable.
"The community and the RSPCA will not tolerate idiotic acts that place animals in danger, and urge anyone with information to contact the RSPCA.''
A police spokesperson said it was a stupid thing to do on a busy freeway: "I don't know who would treat their pet like that.''
The offender could now face reckless driving charges.