'Absolutely amazing' response gives Dobby the owl a new home

A rare owl left with serious injuries after thieves tried to drag him out of his cage has been getting a new home courtesy of fans and volunteers.

Dobby, a 13-year-old European Eagle Owl, was left with a broken wing and ‘close to death’ following the attempted kidnapping in September.

Three teenage boys had apparently attacked his cage with wire cutters as they tried to steal him, before being chased off.

But on Sunday, volunteers were at his home in Old Windsor to help with work on a new enclosure.

The bird has lived with owner Sue Lee-Paterson since he was born in April 2003 and his pen sits at the back of her garden which backs onto the Thames Path, meaning he is well known by people in the village who often pass by.

A fundraising page was launched in October, raising £3,350 to go towards the popular owl’s vet bills and Sue said the money could also be used to improve Dobby’s cage and install CCTV.

She said: “I’m absolutely amazed at the amount of help we’ve received.

“Everyone has really rallied round and helped and people who know Dobby or know about him have come forward who I didn’t even know about.

“There’s even been a guy from New Zealand who comes to see him when he’s over here and quite a few people have donated things for the new cage – it’s just been fantastic.”

Visit the Dobby The Owl - The Old Windsor Legend Facebook group to find out more.