weird news

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) says more than 600 birds were removed from a house in central Ohio after reports of animal neglect and a complaint from the public about living conditions.

The ASPCA says the birds were living in extremely overcrowded conditions in a home in a Columbus neighbourhood. ASPCA and Columbus Humane officials say birds removed from the home on Tuesday under a search warrant include parakeets, cockatiels, finches, macaws and cockatoos.

Some birds had medical issues, including missing feathers and plucking mutilation.

The organisations say they are focusing on assessing the birds' welfare and ensuring that they receive appropriate care.

They say the birds have been relocated to a temporary shelter until a court determines custody.

The home's owner wasn't immediately identified.

Police are investigating after a video shows a man spanking a hippopotamus at the Los Angeles Zoo.

The video shows the man crossing a railing last week and sneaking up on two hippos, Rosie and Mara. He smacks Rosie on the rear and her mother lifts her head as the man runs off and raises his arms in a gesture of victory.

Zoo spokeswoman April Spurlock told the Los Angeles Times that any unauthorised interaction with an animal is unsafe for the animal and potentially unsafe for the person.

Spurlock says state law prohibits entering zoo enclosures. The zoo has posted a 'No Trespassing' sign on the exhibit for the first time.

Police told the newspaper they're investigating the case as trespassing because the hippo didn't appear to be injured