Harry Potter bird expert jailed for animal cruelty

HARRY POTTER BIRD EXPERT JAILED FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY

A licensed falconer who had owls featured in a Harry Potter film has been sentenced to 12 weeks imprisonment after admitting to keeping birds of prey in “filthy, squalid, dirty” conditions.

Kenneth Lea, 50, from Bierley Lane, Bradford, faced 17 counts of animal neglect relating to 51 birds of prey and 11 chickens.

The case was brought to court after the RSPCA uncovered that several of Lea’s birds—including owls, falcons, hawks, buzzards, and chickens—were found injured, emaciated, and covered in dirt and dried blood on his former farm in Wakefield last June.

The animals had been kept in poor circumstances, with some suffering from long-standing injuries and many deprived of food and water.

The investigation revealed two dead chickens in a paddock, and seven dead birds of prey stored in Lea’s freezer.

A veterinarian described the farm environment as “filthy, squalid, and dirty.” The birds of prey, including nine eagle owls used in the Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire film, endured severe neglect, which caused them ongoing suffering and mental distress.

Lea was sentenced to a 12-week jail term and banned from keeping animals for five years.

The presiding judge, District Judge Susan Bouch, commented that the neglect was “chronic and prolonged,” and emphasized the shocking extent of mistreatment, with some animals needing urgent veterinary intervention.

After the hearing, RSPCA inspector Carol Neale stated her satisfaction with the sentence, remarking that it underlined the serious nature of the neglect involved.