Paul Brown, a murderer serving a life sentence, has claimed that his human rights are being violated after prison authorities did not allow him to keep his pet budgie with him.

The 42-year-old Paul Brown made an official complaint calling the decision "cruel".

Brown, who stabbed a man to death in 2002, was told that he would have to get rid of the bird when was transferred to another jail.

"I've had my budgie for five years," the Sun quoted Brown, as complaining.

"To be told you have to abandon it is very distressing, cruel and stressful for both the animal and yourself."

Brown had got the budgie after he saw the flick Birdman Of Alcatraz, where a killer cares for an injured sparrow in the US prison.

"He talks to the budgie all day. He's a bit of a loner so it's ideal company," an insider at Category B Swaleside prison, Kent, said.

"He's devastated at the prospect of losing it."

The Ministry of Justice had the right to decide if an inmate could own a pet inside jail.

Reasons for refusal to keep the pet include health and safety concerns and possible vet bills. (ANI)

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