Man dangerously leaves cockatiel in a hot car in Collier County

Reporter: Michelle Alvarez Writer: Paul Dolan
Published: Updated:
Cockatiel bird left in hot car in Collier County. (CREDIT: WINK News)

A bird was found locked in a car for hours and Collier County deputies say Shawn Wilder locked the bird in the car.

The bird was found inside the car on Mission Hills Dr. Saturday afternoon for more than two hours. According to the report, the multi-colored cockatiel bird appeared to be panting. The bird’s feathers appeared fluffed up also and appeared to be pacing on one of the perches in its cage.

Collier County deputies checked on the bird after someone reported it was sitting in a car for a while.

Deputies eventually spoke to the owner of the vehicle, later identified as Wilder.

According to the report, deputies on the scene asked Wilder if he would leave a child inside a locked vehicle with the windows up in the Florida heat. His response was “No.”

WINK News reporter Michelle Alvarez spoke with Brian Wierima, the community relations coordinator for The Gulf Coast Humane Society. They said more people are coming forward when they see animals in danger.

Wierima says, “People are reporting it more, they’re being the voice for the voiceless. And it really is, is helping you know, I wish people wouldn’t treat their pets and their animals like that. You know, unfortunately, again, we’re talking about it. So, it’s still happening. But, you know, I think the people that are aware, and they will report it or you know, do something for these animals, because again, it’s not really their choice to be stuck in, you’re making the choice for them.”

Due to the nature of the incident, domestic animal services were called. They reported that the bird was indeed in danger. The cockatiel was taken by DAS and Wilder was taken to the Naples jail.

“Any living, breathing animal, person, kid, it’s just the end result is tragic,” says Wierima.

The bird was examined by a vet and remains with DAS.

“I would even hate to say that it was an accident which he kept it I don’t believe it. People know the risk, and if they still do it, then they should pay the consequences,” says Wierima.

The outside temperatures at the time were 93 degrees. According to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, temperature readings from the interior of two nearby cars came in at 125 and 121 degrees.

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