Finches filched: Strathroy-area business owner says theft worth thousands
It's not your typical break and enter theft, with hundreds of exotic birds taken from a Strathroy area business.
The owner says the value of the birds taken is about $25,000, and it will be difficult to recover from that loss.
Pete Van Erp has various types of birds in his aviary, but specializes in hatching and raising finches, including African, Australian and zebra finches.
Van Erp says when he and his daughter went into the aviary on Jan. 18, they realized gates were open and birds were missing.
"Big cages that should have had 40 birds each and they were completely empty. I realized something was up."Red-headed Gouldian finches at Pete Van Erp Aviaries, Jan. 24, 2022. (Gerry Dewan / CTV News)Van Erp, 79, and his wife Laurene started raising birds when they were first married in 1964. She passed last year but her picture remains at the entranceway to the aviary.
Pete used the birds as a way to rebound from the loss, hoping to continue with their shared passion.
"The competition really. Like, we go to bird shows all over. The last two years have been a disaster because of the virus."
The theft has compounded the challenges he faces. He believes the thieves may have been in the aviary just days before the finches were taken, surveying where the most prized were. He says they appeared to know what they were looking for.
"They went for all the good stuff, like the expensive birds."Red-headed star finches at Pete Van Erp Aviaries. Jan. 24, 2022. (Gerry Dewan / CTV News)Van Erp admits it will be difficult to get the birds back but says two things are working in his favour. One, the birds were wearing closed bands and those band numbers have been recorded.
“Closed bands mean made out of steel. They go on the leg before the babies are 10 days old... Those bands are very hard to remove.”
The second thing Van Erp has going for him is a tight-knit community of bird enthusiasts who are now on the lookout for his birds.
"I got a call last night from Alberta, the day before from Winnipeg, all over Ontario."
Middlesex OPP has launched an investigation into the theft but Van Erp says insurance won't cover the loss of birds.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.