Oh my gosh, this poor bird! What absolute butchery; she could easily have chopped through flesh and muscle and done irreparable damage. This is absolutely, without question, horrendous abuse. A bird needs his tail, not only in flight but for the simple act of maintaining balance on a perch, as you noticed. She needs to never be given sole custody of an animal again, especially considering the fact that she was completely willing to harm her own pet out of spite because of a petty argument she had with a friend. I really can't even put into words how repugnant this is.
Thank you will all of my heart for buying Pebble from her, and giving him the home he deserves. I can't wait to see him fully feathered and flying again one day! You're an absolute angel.