Local recycling centre rescues family of birds from abandoned TV set

Well isn't this adorable 🐦

Debbie Nelson of Debbie Doolittle’s Wildlife Sanctuary in Dundrod
Author: Emma DicksonPublished 13th May 2021

The team at Waveney Road Household Recycling Centre in Ballymena came across a ‘chirpy’ surprise yesterday.

Nestled amongst the broken pieces of an abandoned TV set brought into the set, were a family of chicks.

The Wildlife and Natural Environment (NI) Act 2011 protects nesting birds and it is an offence under the legislation to disturb nesting birds, their chicks, nests or eggs at any time of the year.

But thanks to the quick actions of the Council Officers, there was a ‘flappy’ ending for the feathered friends, who were safely transported from the Ballymena waste facility to the Debbie Doolittle Animal Sanctuary in Dundrod.

Mayor, Councillor Peter Johnston, congratulated everyone involved in the rescue operation.

“Well done to the caring Waveney Road Waste Team and our Ballymena Assistant Waste Supervisor, who were unflappable in their efforts to ensure the safety of the three newborn chicks.

“Our hard-working staff have shown great commitment in spite of the many challenges of the last twelve months, and I would like to commend them for their actions on this occasion.”

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