Concern and anger grows for hundreds of birds trapped inside old Cape Breton church
It's been several years since St. Anthony's Church on Dominion Street in Glace Bay closed its doors to the public, and since that time the vacant facility has attracted hundreds of birds, both inside and out.
“We collected 95 birds yesterday and they were covered in ice because of the drop in temperature and the freezing rain that we had,” said animal advocate Emma Wrathall.
Wrathall says with help from Hope for Wildlife the birds collected this weekend survived.
But she says after work crews boarded up windows, it left more birds trapped inside -- and others on the outside without shelter from the elements.
“I have lots of photos and videos of birds throwing themselves against the windows trying to get out,” said Wrathall.
The videos and photos have caught the attention of Amanda McDougall, mayor of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.
“It goes right to your stomach. The emotion of thinking about animals in distress, so it's really hard to know the suffering of those poor animals,” she said.
McDougall said she has reached out to the proper authorities - and is planning to file a complaint.
But she said the main concern now is protecting the birds.
“Before the demolition of the building, it's huge, that the animals are humanely reintroduced to nature. I'm not sure how that would happen, but I’m sure it would have to be led by natural resources,” said McDougall.
According to Bishop Wayne Kirkpatrick, the building is owned the Diocese of Antigonish and is slated to be demolished.
He said that could take some time as proper steps need to be followed, but that the focus of the diocese is on the birds, and getting them out safely.
Kirkpatrick said food and water has been also put inside.
Wrathall is hoping the demolition can be put off until the spring, so the birds can stay sheltered out of the cold.
“This is their home and this weather isn't safe because they're staying here, so it's very heartbreaking and concerning,” she said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.