RSPCA Investigating Mass Bird Poisoning Incident in South-East Melbourne

The RSCPA is investigating a reported mass bird poisoning after hundreds of corellas were found dead near a shopping centre in south-east Melbourne. The carcasses of around 200 dead corellas and some pigeons were found after the birds 'fell from the sky' outside the Springvale South shopping centre on the weekend. South Oakleigh Wildlife Shelter volunteer Michele Phillips said the discovery was traumatic and that only eight of the birds had survived in a post shared to Facebook. 'Birds were dead or injured on people's houses, nearby parks, under cars,' Phillips said. 'This is one reason that people should not feed wild birds, there is plenty natural food around.' Phillips said the birds had been handed over at Healseville Sanctuary, a zoo outside Melbourne, with autopsies set to be conducted tomorrow. 'It was heartbreaking and very hard to write this as I can still see their faces,' Phillips said. An RSCPA Victoria spokesperson confirmed it received a report about the birds and it is now investigating. 'RSPCA Victoria is investigating a report of an alleged animal cruelty incident involving non-native animal poisoning,' the spokesperson said. 'Reports of animal cruelty involving native wildlife, including birds, will be referred to DEECA under the shared Memorandum of Understanding.' A similar mass bird death took place in Newcastle earlier this year. Hundreds of corellas were found dead after seemingly falling from the sky in March, prompting an investigation from the NSW Environment Protection Authority. It was later revealed the corella deaths were caused by a common pesticide called fenitrothion. 9News has contacted DECCA for comment.

According to the source: 9News.