Cruel clipping

By Bridget Brady
A MAGPIE had its feathers cut and beak painted with nail polish during what is being described as a blatant act of animal cruelty.
Nigel Williamson from Nigel’s Animal Rescue said the magpie was handed to him on Tuesday morning after a resident found it in Warneet.
“Both wings have been severely cut by scissors and it is unable to fly whatsoever,” Mr Williamson said.
“It is disgusting to see a protected native species treated in such a barbaric way.”
Someone painted a metallic blue colour on the magpie’s beak with nail polish, Mr Williamson said.
“Unfortunately this is not the first time I’ve come across something like this, but it is still very distressing to see.”
Mr Williamson said he wanted the community to help find who was responsible for the cruelty.
“It’s about public awareness. Warneet is a small area, someone must know something. It’s helpful if people can keep their eyes and ears open.”
Barrie Tapp from the Animal Cruelty Hotline in Cranbourne said, under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, an offender faced a fine of $12,000 or 12 months imprisonment if found guilty of cruelty to animals.
The penalties were more severe, $24,000 or two years imprisonment, for aggravated cruelty that caused the death or permanent disability of an animal.
Fortunately, the magpie did not appear to be in any pain now, and would be able to fly again, but in about 12 months, Mr Williamson said.
Mr Tapp said the Animal Cruelty Hotline would investigate the matter and pass on any details to the relevant authorities. If anyone has any information about the injuries to the magpie found in Warneet they can call the hotline on 1800 751 770.