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
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
Soft skills, preparation can help new graduates land jobs, experts say
As new graduates enter the workforce over the next few weeks, they are likely to face challenges getting their foot in the door and must be prepared to effectively communicate what they bring to the company.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.