![]() ![]() Seventy-three were euthanized on site to prevent the spread of avian influenza. ![]() "A total 84 protected wild birds were seized. On July 22, investigators returned to his residence with a search warrant. While keeping surveillance on his home, investigators saw a woman drop off a box of six ducklings at Nowak's residence, according to a search warrant affidavit. ![]() In June, DWR investigators received a tip that Nowak had taken in more protected wildlife. His plea is being held in abeyance, meaning the charge of destruction of protected wildlife will be dismissed after he completes the terms of his sentencing, which in this case was a fine. Nowak was convicted of capturing and holding a sandhill crane on his property, according to court records. In exchange for his guilty plea, a charge of possessing protected wildlife was dismissed. In December, Nowak was convicted in West Valley Justice Court of wanton destruction of protected wildlife, a class B misdemeanor. VanFleet says he has been trying to get permits from the state for several years without success. Fish and Wildlife Service to rehabilitate or possess protected wildlife or federally protected migratory birds. (Photo: Ray Boone, KSL-TV)īut according to wildlife officials, Nowak does not have any of the necessary permits with the DWR or U.S. Richard Nowak holds a parrot at Avian Sanctuary and Protection in West Valley on April 3, 2018. In a 2018 interview with KSL-TV, Nowak admitted that he has no formal training in running a bird sanctuary and is not a veterinarian, but is self-taught and has helped over 700 birds since his sanctuary opened. Parkway Ave., which he has done for many years. Nowak runs a nonprofit avian rehabilitation center called Avian Sanctuary and Protection out of his home, 1232 W. Now, Nowak - who admits he's angry over how he and his rescue center have been treated over the past few months - and the sanctuary are looking to get an attorney and have their day in court. As of Tuesday, however, no criminal charges have been filed against him. In addition, on the day the birds were euthanized, the owner of the sanctuary, Richard Thomas Nowak, 56, was arrested and booked into the Salt Lake County Jail for investigation of wanton destruction of protected wildlife. It was not OK at all," said Danielle VanFleet, a member of the Avian Sanctuary and Protection's board of directors. WEST VALLEY CITY - More than 80 birds were recently seized - and most of them euthanized - by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources from a sanctuary for injured and homeless birds that has been operating for years in West Valley City.ĭWR officials say they are trying to prevent the spread of avian influenza, also known as bird flu.īut those associated with the sanctuary say the DWR euthanized birds without testing them first, and seized some birds that are not considered protected wildlife. ![]()
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