The heartless owner of a pet parrot that was treated so badly that it plucked out its own feathers has been jailed.

Aziza Kalami locked her African Grey Parrot in a barren cage on the floor of her home in Balaam Street, Plaistow, in smoky conditions with low lighting.

She was found guilty of causing unnecessary harm to the bird and given two 12 week custodial sentences to be served concurrently at Thames Magistrates Court on Tuesday last week.

Officers first raised concerns over the welfare of the bird after noticing the harmful conditions that it had been living in during a visit to Kalami’s home for another matter.

She was served with an Improvement Notice under the Animal Welfare Act in March but, after failing to comply, Newham Council rescued the bird for its own health and well-being.

The poor bird showed signs of behavioural problems due to stress.

Councillor Ian Corbett, mayoral advisor for environment and leisure, said: “This parrot was saved from a miserable existence.

“Happily the health of this parrot has significantly improved and it has now been rehomed in a suitable environment.”

Kalami has been banned from keeping, owning or being in charge of any animals for three years and ordered to pay £80.

The court also imposed a deprivation order so that Newham Council could rehome the parrot.

Councillor Corbett added: “African Grey parrots can be difficult to look after so they do not make suitable pets for inexperienced owners.

“Happily the health of this parrot has significantly improved and it has now been rehomed in a suitable environment.”