A suspected mass poisoning has killed scores of cockatoos and corellas after volunteers found dozen of the birds dying at locations around Newcastle, NSW.
Newcastle-based animal hospital Hamilton Veterinary Clinic, which is treating the bird and stories bodies for testing said 60 had been already euthanised on Monday.
‘I have never seen anything like this in the 13 years I have been here,’ vet worker Bronwyn Evans told the Newcastle Herald.
‘They are in agony. They spread their wings and look at you as if to say help me.
‘It’s absolutely horrible. I picked up several of them from the gutter this morning.’
Hunter Wildlife Rescue confirmed they had found at least 50 n native birds in distress or dead across three suburbs.
‘We are currently managing a suspected intentional poisoning of birds in the Newcastle area,’ a statement from the group confirmed.
‘Today over 50 dead or dying birds have been collected from the Newcastle, Carrington and Hamilton areas.
‘We fear many more birds will be impacted in the days to come.’
The rescue warned that anyone walking dogs should take care until the source of the suspected poisoning is found.
The NSW Environment Protection (EPA) has launched an investigation into the slaughter, and warned of hefty fines for anyone caught poisoning birds.
‘EPA officers are now investigating multiple sites and collecting samples for further testing,’ a spokesman told Daily Mail .
The testing will include ruling out bird flu and inspecting impacted locations for evidence of potential pesticide misuse.
‘The negligent use of pesticides in a manner that harms any non-target animal or plant can attract penalties of up to $500,000 for an individual and $2,000,000 for a corporation,’ they said.
A resident shared a photo of an animal rescue volunteer who had been dealing with the incident for hours.
‘Thank you to the Wires volunteers who have been collecting birds for over five hours now,’ they said.
ns have also shared their horror at the mass loss of the birds in posts on social media.
‘What a horrid person to do such a horrid thing to the local wildlife,’ someone said.
One added: ‘I just don’t understand some people.’
Another said. ‘Senseless, cruel, thoughtless act on innocent birds.’
The EPA asked anyone with information on the tragedy to call the 24/7 Environment Line on 131 555 or email [email protected].