RSPCA seeks urgent probe after 100 birds die through suspected poisoning

There are calls for an investigation after birds and other animals have died due to suspected poisoning in Brisbane’s north.

Suspected poisoning of Brisbane water has killed more than 100 birds and other animals as the RSPCA calls on local and state governments to urgently investigate. Source: RSPCA.

Suspected poisoning of Brisbane water is rapidly killing birds and other animals as the RSPCA calls on local and state governments to urgently investigate amid fears people also could be harmed.

More than 100 birds have been found lying in water thick with algae and emitting a foul stench, off Pinkenba, in the city’s north, since Friday, March 24.

Only one bird rescued by RSPCA Queensland has survived.

“Someone could have deliberately poisoned the water – we just don’t know, but it’s a large number of animals and getting worse by the day,” RSPCA animal rescue manager Jo Jordaan said.

The RSPCA is seeking an investigation into the deaths of birds at Pinkenba. Source: RSPCA

“We are worried about our own safety too – rescue officers and volunteers – because while we are saving birds, to put them out of their misery essentially, if it’s poison then we need to know for our own health,” Ms Jordaan said.

The affected areas are near Main Beach Road and Sandmere Road.

“The stench is horrendous, it smells like a tip, and it’s a heartbreaking sight,” Ms Jordaan said, adding that members of her team needed support to deal with their distress.

The RSPCA has asked Brisbane City Council and the State Government to swiftly investigate, and has sent the deceased birds to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries’ Biosecurity centre for testing.

“The area appears to be a drainage channel so technically falls under council jurisdiction but the investigation into the deaths would be by the Department of Environment and Science – so we need both to act,” Ms Jordaan said.

Suspected poisoning of water has killed more than 100 birds and other animals as the RSPCA calls on local and state governments to urgently investigate. Source: RSPCA

“Ducks keep flying into the water source – it’s really sad for them because they’ve obviously made it their home but it’s killing them.”

She said potential poisoning of the water was not the only concern.

Birds and other animals were feeding off the carcasses, eating maggots that contained bacteria sparking deadly botulism.

“We have also found deceased rats and toads,” Ms Jordaan said.

Most of the birds have been ducks, with an ibis and magpie goose also found, and cormorants and hawkes spotted in the area.

Late on Wednesday, the Department of Environment and Science confirmed an investigation was underway.

“DES will continue to work with the RSPCA and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries to determine the cause,” a spokesperson said.

Brisbane City Council would support the investigation, a council spokesperson said.

People with information on dead or sick animals in the Pinkenba area should contact

RSPCA on 1300 ANIMAL (264 625).