Magpie shot with arrow at Eli Waters

A photo of a magpie with an arrow through it has caused a stir on social media and prompted a warning that magpies are protected and hurting them can result in jail or thousands of dollars in fines.

Images of a magpie shot through with an arrow have generated outrage and anger in a Hervey Bay neighbourhood.

The male magpie was photographed on a residential fence at Eli Waters on Saturday with an arrow lodged in its left leg.

The director of nearby wildlife centre East Coast Exotic Haven said they received a call at 10.30am on Saturday about a magpie with an “arrow pierced in its left leg”.

Director Amanda Milligan the bird subsequently managed to dislodge the arrow after getting it caught on a fence paling, but now had mobility issues that needed to be treated.

It was still hanging around the address where the photo was taken but would be captured with a net-gun and taken into care.

The owner of the property was helping care for the wounded bird by digging up and feeding it bugs, Ms Milligan said.

She said calling an animal rescue centre as soon as an incident occurred was important in terms of the animals’ survival or putting them out of pain if they were unable to be saved.

Authorities will not “get up you if you hit an animal” and East Coast Exotic Haven was a free service, she said.

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Australian magpies are protected under the Nature Conservation Act of 1992 with a maximum penalty of six months imprisonment or a $5000 fine to people who harm them.

Magpie swooping season is in full swing at this time of year as magpies nests, lay eggs and raise their chicks through spring.

The RSPCA said about 10 per cent of males swooped passers-by they considered threats to their family and newborns.

The arrow which was fired into a magpie at Eli Waters.

Helpful tips to avoid getting swooped include travelling in groups when walking through magpie territory, carrying an open umbrella above your head and wearing sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat.

Dozens of residents expressed their outrage on Facebook at the image of the wounded bird.

“I hate humans. Poor maggie,” said Susan Drummond.

Empress Shannon said “the poor little darling I hope you find the **** who did this”.

“I hate people,” said Trinity Darling.

East Coast Exotic Haven has reported the matter to RSPCA and urged anybody with any information about the attack to contact them on 0499 453 674.