Wild Animal Rescue Gone Wrong: Marijuana, Baths, and Bans Unveiled

When you think of animal rescue, you probably imagine compassionate professionals nursing injured creatures back to health in a calm, sterile environment. What you probably don’t picture is a jackdaw bobbing on a sponge in a bubble bath while reggae music plays in the background. But that’s exactly what unfolded in the bizarre case of Lee Jefferson, a man from Scarborough, UK, whose unconventional approach to wildlife care has landed him a lifetime ban from keeping wild animals.

Jefferson, 30, was recently found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to two wild birds—a jackdaw and a wood pigeon—that he had “rescued” and was keeping in a puppy pen at his home in Malton, North Yorkshire. While his intentions may have started off well-meaning, the execution was nothing short of alarming. Instead of seeking professional veterinary care, Jefferson took matters into his own hands with methods that can best be described as misguided and, at worst, dangerous.

RSPCA Inspector Laura Barber was called to investigate after a concerned member of the public reported that Jefferson was harboring injured birds without proper care. What she found was troubling. The jackdaw appeared lethargic and withdrawn, sporting a metal bracelet around its neck. Jefferson claimed he was treating it with an immune protection paste meant for cats. The wood pigeon, meanwhile, had a bloody wing that he had attempted to patch up with grey gaffer tape. Yes, you read that right—gaffer tape.

Things only got stranger from there. Upon further investigation, Inspector Barber discovered Jefferson’s social media posts, which painted a surreal picture of his “rehabilitation” methods. One post showed the jackdaw, which he had named Raven, perched on a red sponge in a bath full of bubbles. The caption described how he had become her “surrogate father” and was teaching her to wolf whistle and say “YO” and “Hey.”

Another video showed the bird floating in the same bath, this time with bubbles on her head, reggae music playing in the background, and a human leg entering the frame. The bird appeared visibly distressed, her eyes half-closed and body frozen in place. Viewers of the video speculated that the jackdaw may have ingested marijuana, which would explain her dazed and unresponsive state. The vet later confirmed that marijuana toxicity could indeed account for the bird’s behavior.

And as if that wasn’t enough, the jackdaw was also found with glitter nail polish on her claws. While this may sound like a quirky touch, it’s actually a serious concern. Wild birds are not meant to be handled like fashion accessories. The vet who examined the jackdaw was deeply disturbed, stating that placing a non-aquatic bird in a bathtub is both dangerous and highly stressful for the animal. Birds like jackdaws lack the waterproofing of ducks or swans, making them vulnerable to drowning and hypothermia.

The wood pigeon, sadly, did not survive. Its wing injury had become infected, and it was in acute pain by the time it reached veterinary care. The decision was made to humanely euthanize the bird. The jackdaw, on the other hand, was treated for dehydration and a dislocated toe, and is expected to recover under proper care.

In court, Jefferson’s defense team cited his diagnoses of autism, ADHD, and mental health issues. While these conditions may help explain some of his behavior, they do not excuse the suffering inflicted on the animals. He pleaded guilty to two offenses under the Animal Welfare Act and received an 18-month community order, including 30 days of rehabilitation activity. Most notably, he was handed a lifetime ban from keeping any wild animals.

This case is a sobering reminder that good intentions are not enough when it comes to animal welfare. Proper training, resources, and professional care are essential. Wild animals are not pets, and treating them as such can lead to suffering and even death. If you ever find an injured animal, the best course of action is always to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian.

To read the full story and see the original reporting, Read more at inkl.com.