Parakeets From Animal Cruelty Case Find New Homes

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Dozens of parakeets are up for adoption at Anchorage Animal Care and Control after their owners surrendered them to authorities. 

The birds were seized by the Anchorage Police Department from a home in Eagle River in January.  It was reported they were living in filthy conditions and without heat, according to investigators.  

Lester Mendez,46, and Daniel Hoffman,50, who lived in the home, face charges of animal cruelty.   

"It just feels good because they need somewhere where they are being loved instead of stressed out," Cristanne Swanda said while holding her new parakeets.  

By noon, about 15 of 40 parakeets had already been adopted.

"Birds can make quite the ruckus at home, so owners should be prepared for that," Brooke Taylor, the Public Relations Coordinator at Anchorage Animal Care and Control said. 

APD also seized 39 dogs, which were mostly smaller breeds and those animals are also at the shelter, but are not up for adoption.

"We are hoping at some point to be able to get those animals surrendered to us as well and move forward with those adoptions," Taylor said.

In the meantime, Taylor says if people want to help they can considering bringing a new pet into their home that is already up for adoption. 

Contact Jackie Bartz jbartz@ktuu.com