This situation is very similar conceptually to an earlier case involving people who rescue and shelter dogs and cats, yet who can benefit from a veterinarian's expertise to improve the situation they provide to their animals. Once again, the role of veterinarian as educator is cast into sharp relief.
Good intentions are only a beginning. This small facility clearly operates out of a desire to help raptors, birds that, in many areas, are suffering from encroachment upon their habitat by human populations. At the same time, it is clear that the facility personnel do not possess adequate knowledge of what is involved in caring for these birds. There appears to be little knowledge of preventative medicine at the small facility, as well as insufficient knowledge of what living conditions are required to even minimally meet the needs dictated by the birds' telos. Although we are not told whether or not a veterinarian is active in the small facility, the chances of the veterinarian, if there is one, being adequately informed about raptors is minimal (an ordinary veterinary education would provide little, if any, knowledge of such animals. Indeed, avian medicine in general is probably undertaught in veterinary curricula).
I, as a veterinarian with expertise, would not begin by going to the authorities. Presumably, if the facility manages to keep its license, despite the blatant inadequacies described, the “authorities” themselves are not well informed as to what is required in order to maintain a good facility. Rather, I would approach the management of the smaller facility in an educator mode, using the case of the owl as a point of departure, being very careful not to be patronizing or threatening (this is yet another example of why a veterinarian needs to be a “people person.”). I would explain that my purpose was not blame, but improvement, and I would express my willingness to share my knowledge with them. If the management were willing, I would undertake a series of informal discussions with the staff about preventative medicine, rehabilitation exercise, caging needs, diet, and general husbandry. In a subtle way, I would indicate that if the management failed to improve, it inevitably would bring down the ire of both regulatory authorities and the public. Ideally, by helping rather then blaming, a win/win situation can be created for both the facility and the animals.
Note: I am grateful to Nicole Nemeth both for raising the case and for guiding me in its resolution.