Court awards 2,000 to Kerry owners of German-speaking cockatoo that was lost in Wicklow

"Counsel for the claimants, Susan Jones, told the court that in April 2024 her clients entered into an agreement with the defendant for him to care for their umbrella cockatoo named Herr Schroeder, along with two other birds belonging to Ms Daum, for €50 per week. She said the claimants are seeking compensation for the loss of the bird, which they valued at €6,000, along with damages for distress and alleged breach of contract. The claimants were initially seeking damages of €12,000 in relation to the disappearance of the bird."

"The court heard that an open offer of €2,000, or alternatively to replace the bird, had been made to the claimants prior to the hearing but was refused. The court heard that the couple offered a €5,000 reward for the safe return of Herr Schroeder, with copies of news articles featuring the bird from Irish and German publications handed into court."

"Ms Jones noted that the bird speaks German and had been placed in Mr Drew's aviary while the claimants were building a permanent aviary in Kerry. She said Ms Daum had formed a deep attachment to the bird, which had helped her through the loss of her mother."

"Barrister for Mr Drew, instructed by solicitor Eoin Cleary of Augustus Cullen Solicitors, told the court that an article published in the Irish Independent stated the bird had health complications. Mr O'Duffy gave evidence, as Ms Daum "was too upset to testify", telling the court the couple had owned the bird for 15 years."

Claimants Nadija Daum and David O’Duffy sought damages up to €15,000 in Bray District Court after their umbrella cockatoo, Herr Schroeder, went missing while in the care of Eddie Drew. The court heard the claimants valued the bird at €6,000 and sought compensation for loss, distress, and alleged breach of contract. An open offer of €2,000 or replacement had been made before the hearing but was refused. The claimants said they paid €50 per week for care and offered a €5,000 reward, providing copies of news articles about the bird. Evidence included claims about the bird’s German-speaking ability and a private investigator being hired to help find it. The court also heard the respondent was caught filming in the courtroom.

Read at Irish Independent