There can be no question that parrots have more intellect than any other kind of bird, and it is this that makes them such favourite pets and brings upon them so many sorrows..Men will buy them. . and carry them off to all quarters of the native town, intending, I doubt not, to treat them kindly; but "the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel", and confinement in a solitary cell, the discipline with which we reform hardened criminals, is misery enough to a bird with an active mind, without the superadded horrors of. . life in a tin case, hung from a nail in the wall of a dark shop.. Why does the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals never look into the woes of parrots?.. However happy you make her captivity, imagination will carry her at times to the green field and blue sky, and she fancies herself somewhere near the sun, heading a long file of exultant companions in swift career through the whistling air. Then she opens her mouth and rings out a wild salute to all parrots in the far world below her. E.H. Aitken
About This Quote

This quote is by Charles Kingsley, an author, clergyman, and philanthropist. He is best known for his book "The Water Babies". Kingsley was a great supporter of the working class and was influenced by the teachings of William Wilberforce. He shared his thoughts on slavery in his book "The Water Babies" but he also addressed cruelty to birds in this quote.

Kingsley's ideas on cruelty to animals varied from time to time. Back in the day he wrote in support of animal rights but in later years he supported animal rights only in the way they are treated in captivity. He continued to support animal rights when he became a Member of Parliament for East Worthing in 1868.

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