Wilsden all shook up over Elvis

5:37am Friday 30th May 2008

Comments (36)   Have your say »

Elvis the parrot has got a Bradford village all shook up.

Many think that the two-feet long macaw bird from South America is a colourful addition to Wilsden and just can't help falling in love with him.

But, some residents are fed up with him causing damage and swooping down on people, and think he's less of a feathered friend and more of a feathered fiend.

Just like the real Elvis Presley is famous for leaving the building, when his winged namesake does the same the anti-Elvis brigade say he's a menace, and the thought of him flying above them is always on their minds when they're out in the community.

Now they think it is time for his owner, Edward Pikul, to be slapped with an Anti Social Behaviour Order.

Helen Smith, an anti-social behaviour officer for Bradford Council and someone not too enamoured of Elvis' antics, said: "He is a gorgeous bird and to see him flying around the area is magnificent. But he has a dark side and there is this destructive element which is not so nice, unfortunately.

"He has chewed through TV cabling, damaged a street light and takes great delight in picking off metal stops from roofs.

"It is a bit of a joke but on a more serious note, there are some people who are genuinely angry."

So is it time for a little less conversation and a little more action? Mrs Smith thinks so. She said: "His owner is responsible for him and with my ASBO head on, I would say if anyone has any concerns they should contact Bradford Council. We don't want to see him cooped up in a cage, perhaps he would be better in a sanctuary."

But, views are divided in the village as there are some residents who believe Elvis should be able to spread his wings and enjoy his freedom, and that Elvis' detractors simply have suspicious minds.

Residents Neil Whitaker and his daughter, Scarlet Williams, who run interactive web site "hencam" -- a web camera which monitors their chicken coop for the internet - have received dozens of e-mails in support of Elvis.

Bird-lovers from as far away as America have called for "The Wilsden One" to remain free. They say there'll be crying in Chapel Row, near to where Elvis lives, if he is forced to stay indoors.

Mr Whitaker said: "We believe Elvis is a really nice quirky addition to the village. He is so well known around the village and kids love him so it would be a shame if he was condemned to a life behind bars."

Owner Edward Pikul, who bought his pet seven years ago "on a whim", said he has received several letters from Bradford Council after complaints from residents.

But Mr Pikul said that locking Elvis up would make their home a heartbreak hotel - and he'd rather give him up than subject the beloved pet to jailhouse rock.

He said: "He is quite a character, my daughter Melissa named him Elvis, I am not sure why.

"He enjoys eating with our cat, Kramer, and he can say lots of words. I have even heard people having conversations with him.

"I would rather allow him to be let out. If I had to imprison him in his cage, I would rather get rid of it. It would be upsetting, he is a lovely pet and would never harm anybody."

e-mail: mel.fairhurst @telegraphandargus.co.uk