What kind of person hog-ties a wild owl, zip-ties her leg until the circulation stops, and throws her in a ditch like trash?

That’s exactly what happened in South Haven Township, Michigan, where a great horned owl was found bound and stuffed inside a cattle feed bag, abandoned on the side of the road. The plastic zip tie had cut so deeply into her ankle that it risked causing gangrene. She was blind in one eye. Her spirit was broken.

Wildlife rehabilitators believe this wasn’t a random act of cruelty — it was long-term abuse. Experts say the zip tie may have been fastened when the owl was still young, possibly by someone illegally keeping her as a pet. Over time, it dug deeper into her leg until the damage became too severe — and that’s when she was thrown away.

This bird may not survive. If her foot doesn’t heal, she will be euthanized under federal regulations. Even if she does, she can never be returned to the wild. Her chance at freedom was stolen.

Yet no one has been arrested. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is investigating, but there are no leads, no suspects, and no charges.

We’re calling on the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Van Buren County Prosecutor’s Office to treat this case as the serious crime it is. Make a public commitment to pursue this as animal cruelty — not just abandonment. Offer a reward for information. And if the person responsible is identified, prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.

Wild animals are not property. They are not toys. They are not disposable.

Sign if you believe this owl deserves more than just medical care. She deserves justice.

Photo: West Michigan Wildlife Center