where they did not have space to flap their wings. Among her sad collection were two types of eagle owl and also a beautiful, pure white snowy owl.
Fans of Harry Potter know how snowy and eagle owls play a vital role in his battle against the powers of darkness. The boy wizard even has his own pet snowy owl called Hedwig.
Unlike Harry, who kept his owl in the lap of luxury, 67-year-old Cullen imprisoned her birds in filthy conditions where they did not have enough drinking water.
Cullen, who lives in Seahouses, Northumbria, has now been banned from keeping birds for life and ordered to pay £500 compensation after being found guilty of animal welfare offences.
She appeared at Hastings Magistrates' Court on July 3 after an investigation by the RSPCA.
After the case, the RSPCA put out an alert, asking the public to contact their emergency hotline if Cullen decides to collect any more birds. The RSPCA says it is concerned about people keeping exotic animals as pets and reminds anyone thinking about buying one that they must have the knowledge to provide their welfare needs. RSPCA inspector Cora Peeters described how she was left shocked the moment she saw Cullen's tragic menagerie.
"It took my breath away when I walked into that shed and saw the rows of these beautiful birds crammed into tiny, filthy cages," said Inspector Peeters.
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