Commission grants exception for woman’s exotic bird care

PERRY — The Houston County Commission approved a special exception application to a Warner Robins woman who rehabilitates exotic birds in her home during its meeting Tuesday at the Houston County Courthouse.

Suzanne Cadwell, who lives on Fisher Street, requested her home be given a special exception for home occupation for bird rescue and sales in July.

Cadwell keeps up to 20 exotic birds in her home and has been rehabilitating birds on a rotating basis for about two years, she said.

“We’re willing to work as much as we can,” she said. “I don’t want to bother the neighbors.”

The special exception was approved in a 3-1 vote, with Jay Walker dissenting, voting in favor of “peace and quiet” for the neighborhood.

The county’s approval is necessary for her to seek an occupational license with the state.

Under the exception, the birds cannot be kept outside on a permanent basis, and they must be kept in compliance with Georgia Department of Agriculture rules. Cadwell will be allowed to keep the birds outside in her front yard while she is cleaning them and their cages, usually all day twice a week.

Cadwell said her talking birds are usually less disruptive than barking dogs.

Cadwell had previously submitted a letter from the home’s owner, Lisa Britt, in favor of seeking the exception, as well as signatures from neighbors.

Another neighbor, Ron Bass of Napier Avenue, complained the birds have been especially noisy during the past week or so. However, as long as Cadwell kept them inside to control the noise, he would not have a problem with approval of her request.

In other business, the commission approved amendments to two ordinances related to the upkeep of abandoned property and disposal of personal property following an eviction.

The commission’s scheduled Oct. 5 meeting will instead take place Oct. 6. at 9 a.m. at the courthouse, as several of the commissioners will be attending a forum and workshop hosted by the Association County Commissioners of Georgia on Oct. 5.

To contact writer Andrea Castillo, call 256-9751.