Beloved bird stolen from East Los Angeles woman with cancer

EAST LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A $1,000 reward is being offered for the safe return of a macaw stolen from a woman's backyard in East Los Angeles.

Early May 14, a man allegedly jumped over Maria Chavez's fence and opened the bird cage holding the macaw named Mickey.

Chavez ran out and struck the man with a broom, but the man grabbed the bird and pushed Chavez onto stairs, injuring her back, Chavez said.

Her dog eventually came between them, protecting Chavez.

"That dog saved me, but he couldn't save the bird too," she said.

The man allegedly threw Mickey against a wall, then hopped back over the fence with the bird, where another man was waiting. One ran into a white car where a driver was waiting and another fled on foot.

"The people that stole the bird, they didn't steal a bird, they stole part of my life, my heart. I had the bird all that time. He is really special," Chavez said.

The bird has been by her side through 28 years and her cancer treatments. Chavez added that she's not interested in punishment, she just wants her beloved pet back.

"If they want money, I'm going to give them money. Bring back the bird. I'm not going to ask questions," Chavez said.

Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies were looking for the stolen macaw and any suspects.

Sgt. Richard Bojorquez said if the bird is not found, he will donate $50 to help the family buy a new bird.

Anyone with information is asked to call the East Los Angeles County sheriff's station at (323) 264-4151.