Stolen Pets

And here is a posting I received from the Parrot Society of Los Angeles: ........ From: Joshuableu@aol.com Date: Wed, 25 Sep 2002 20:17:25 EDT Subject: Please help Dear Bird Friends in Colorado; I am writing to all of you because I need help from bird lovers in Colorado. I live in Scottsdale, AZ. In December the following story will be detailed in two avain publications and and a major animal health magazine. I am writing this letter to ask for any help, in any manner possible, with the recovery of my 4-year-old Hyacinth Macaw, 'Sophia.' My family was out of town the weekend of July 25, 2002. During that time someone we know came into our home and took our pet with the intention of making quick cash from the sale. The police were contacted. The bird was quickly sold to a bird wholesaler (Bird Finder, Inc. in Scottsdale, AZ) who in turn sold the bird to a man identified as Brian Staples. Sophia was shipped via Continental Airlines to Brian Staples in Camp Hill, PA. Mr. Staples supposedly had a traveling animal show and also owned, Staples Safari and Animal Rescue in Washington State. Sophia can now be seen on his web site at www.staplessafari.com (She is the large blue bird on peoples shoulders). Within three days (7/30/02) I traced Brian Staples to a telephone number in California. I spoke to Mr. Staples on the telephone and at that moment he wholeheartedly agreed to return Sophia after hearing she was our family pet. During that conversation he went so far as to ask to be considered the bird's 'godfather.' Brian Staples was extremely nice and understanding of the situation. Bird Finder, Inc. agreed and continues to agree to refund all his money, $7,000. For twenty days the phone number to reach Mr. Staples (310-717-1324) was not been functional. The outgoing message stated that the voice mailbox was full. Suddenly, on Thursday (8/29/02) Mr. Staples' telephone accepted a message. I left a message for Brian Staples. He now wants $12,000 ransom for the safe return of the bird. He would not listen to reason on the telephone but only said the bird was "under contract" and he would sell her back for $12,000. He claims to have a receipt but a receipt on stolen merchandise is null and void. I have documentation to support what I say above including; purchase receipt for the bird, pictures, a DNA test and a signed confession by the person who took her from our home. I am not trying to slander or defame any of the people I mention in this letter. I am only stating the facts of this matter. Sophia is a CITES 1 legislated bird and because of such I have been able to contact the FBI. They have no idea where Mr. Staples is at this time. Two days ago I was mailed a recording of a recent conversation between the thief who took the bird and Brian Staples. Brian Staples clearly states in the conversation that "....if I continue to harass him he will kill the bird and send her back to me in a box." DIRECT QUOTE. Since birds have very recently come under the jurisdiction of the U.S.D.A. and since Mr. Staples has a U.S.D.A. license my attorney has forwarded to them a transcript indicating potential harm to an endangered species. Since that time Mr. Staples has also made the claim to harm the bird to the owner of BirdFinder. Lastly, I have a very, very, very heartbroken 7-year-old who has helped raise Sophia. I am not threatening or harassing anyone, I am asking Mr. Staples not to harm her pet and return this bird as a kindhearted gesture of his good will and to end a child's pain. I have just found out that Brian Staples is in Colorado with his traveling animal show. He has 5 monkeys, birds, reptiles, etc. He does shows at county fairs, state fairs and the like. His show may be called Staples Safari or Animal Magic. I need to know if anyone has seen a circus, fair or show in the Colorado area that had a Hyacinth Macaw. THAT IS MY MACAW. Please feel free to circulate this e-mail to all bird lovers in your area, I really need your help locating Mr. Staples and my bird. Thank you for your time and please feel free to call me if you have any questions. Dave Bartlett Home (480) 488-4700 Fax (480) 488-4240 Cell (480) 703-2345 ................................. here is a link to see what a hyacinth macaw looks like in case you see one at any of your local fairs: http://www.blackstone-aviaries.com/hypage.html

another note on the hyacinths: there were several stolen from a local boarder and the owners have posted a reward for their safe return (upwards of $20,000).

and the truth comes out about "Sophia" the "stolen" Hyacinth Macaw: September 27, 2002 Ray Ghassemi Bird Finder Inc., 7024 W. Sweetwater Scottsdale, Az 85254 To Whom It May Concern: Re: The true account of David Bartlett�s alleged stolen Hyacinth Macaw. Mr. David Barlett and his partner Mr. Donavon Gilbreath purchased a four year old Hyacinth Macaw from Bird Finder Inc. approximately a year and a half ago. At the time of the purchase, they both came to pick up the bird. Mr. Barlett told the staff of Bird Finder Inc. that he is buying the bird for Mr. Donavon as a Christmas gift. On July 25, 2002, Mr. Donavon sold the bird back to Bird Finder Inc. and immediately Bird Finder Inc. in turn sold the bird to Mr. Brian Staples, dba Animal Planet. A few weeks later Mr. Barlett claimed that Mr. Donavon stole the bird from him and he wants Bird Finder Inc. to return him the bird. Bird Finder Inc. immediately contacted Mr. Donavon and Mr. Staples regarding the alleged issue. In the meantime Bird Finder Inc. put a stop payment of the check that was made to Mr. Gilbreath. However, Mr. Gilbreath told Bird Finder Inc. that the bird was a gift from Mr. Barlett and he has every right to sell the bird. The whole story of the stolen Hyacinth was a fabrication by two emotionally involved partners of a relationship turned sour. Mr. Barlett and Mr. Gilbreath are now �partners� again and have acted in cohort in fabricating the rumor that someone else has stolen the bird and sold it to Bird Finder Inc. Mr. Gilbreath has asked Bird Finder Inc. to lie about the stolen bird to the police. Bird Finder Inc. flatly refused to do so. Bird Finder Inc. has been in business since 1994 and has never bought any questionable bird from any individual or questionable sources. Bird Finder Inc. was told by Mr. Staples that if Mr. Bartlett and his partner Mr. Gilbreath want the bird back he is willing to sell the bird for $12,000.00. Bird Finder Inc. is willing to mediate between the parties to resolve the issue. Bird Finder Inc. would like to state on the record that the sale and purchase of the bird was properly conducted and there were relevant sale and purchase agreements for the transactions. The malicious e-mails spread around on the Internet by Mr. Barlett are damaging the reputation of Bird Finder Inc., as well as Mr. Brian Staples. Bird Finder Inc. may institute legal action against Mr. Barlett and Mr. Gilbreath. Meanwhile, Bird Finder Inc. would appreciate that all in the bird communities would stop circulating the malicious e-mail without first investigate the truth. Bird Finder Inc. would be happy to clarify any question or doubt regarding the alleged stolen Hyacinth Macaw. Sincerely, ___________ Ray Ghassemi Bird Finder Inc.