A fire close to an aviary has led to three birds being put down after they fell foul of the effects of the heat and smoke.
The fire took hold of a row of conifer trees adjacent to a shed at the bottom of a garden of a home on Moorside End, Dewsbury Moor at 6.30am this morning.
The owner of the aviary tackled the blaze and managed to save six show pigeons, but three birds were too badly injured to survive.
It is thought the fire may have been set deliberately.
Firefighters from Dewsbury managed to stop the fire spreading from the row of conifers to the shed.
The aviary contained a range of birds, including cockerels and hens.
Other animals kept in cages at the property, including rabbits, were not injured.
Firefighters administered the owner with oxygen to treat smoke inhalation issues.
The man was taken to hospital for further checks but is not thought to be seriously injured.
