[throwaway9d0291]

Why would they pay the owner for "seizure of property"?

The owner of the bird is responsible for the bird. Therefore, the owner is responsible for the bird illegally entering Australia in violation of local customs laws, just as a dog owner would be responsible should their dog bite somebody.

I'm all for returning the bird to the owner but from Australia's perspective, the owner committed a crime. It's ridiculous to suggest that the owner should be compensated for the consequences.

The bird should be returned upon payment of a fine and reimbursement for the costs of finding, capturing and transporting the bird back to the US.