Dozens of birds and two cats found dead at Woorim — RSPCA suspects poisoning

THE RSPCA suspects poisoning is behind the mass death of animals in a Queensland coastal suburb and has warned residents to protect pets from the danger.

Found cold and frothing from the mouth more than 24 birds and two cats have been located deceased in Woorim.

ABOUT 40 birds and two cats have been found dead in a Queensland coastal suburb — and there may be more.

So far the RSPCA is aware of 24 birds and two cats being found in Woorim on Bribie Island. They were cold and had evidence of frothing at the mouth.

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RSPCA inspector Sharni Statham said the animals had been sent away to autopsy but she believed the deaths were intentional.

“About a fortnight ago we got a call about 12 deceased birds along Winnett St and either side of the street in Woorim,” Ms Statham said.

Found cold and frothing from the mouth more than 24 birds and two cats have been located deceased in Woorim.

“There were various birds; crows, magpies, peewees, butcherbirds. One of the little magpies was still alive.

“We took them to Australia Zoo and the little magpie made it which is great.

“They have been sent off to confirm but at the moment they (Australia Zoo) think the first set of birds were fed a whole heap of fermented fruit.”

Fermented fruit becomes alcoholic and acidic and is usually only eaten in small amounts by birds.

Ms Statham said the quantity of fruit found in the birds’ stomachs was unusual and led them to believe it was fed to the animals with the intent to harm.

“This could explain the cats too,” she said. “If the cats are feeding on these deceased birds it could be killing the cats too.

“We’ve sent one of the cats off to have an autopsy so we will know for sure soon.”

Found cold and frothing from the mouth more than 24 birds and two cats have been located deceased in Woorim.

A second batch of birds was found yesterday (June 20). Five dead magpies in one backyard.

Ms Statham said she found: “another two dead crows, two magpies, two peewees and a plover all in the same area”.

“We’re very suspicious at this point,” she said.

Ms Statham said despite receiving two reports of dead cats in the area, she had heard of up to four more.

“Keep all cats inside, check your yards, keep an eye on your dogs,” she said.

“We don’t know how far these birds are flying before they’re dropping and whatever feeds on those birds will likely die as a result.”

Resident Natascha Wyatt said: “It’s mainly in Winnett St. It’s been happening for a few months.

“Every now and then there would be dead crows along the street and in front yards and yesterday we found four or five magpies and two dead crows in our yard.

“The birds we found looked poisoned.”

Woorim resident Jan Hurst said over the last week she had seen around 15 dead birds.

“I noticed about four or five dead magpies within a few feet of each other and I just thought this is wrong,” she said.

“I couldn’t find any marks on the birds so I suspected poison.

“I’m a dog owner and I have grandchildren plus there’s the possums and the wallabies in the park so I thought I got to do something about this.”

If you find something you believe to be suspicious phone the RSPCA on 3426 9999 or Bribie and District Wildlife Rescue on 0400 836 592.