NSW mice plague: Flock of dead galahs found in Parkes

A wildlife rescuer has described her “heartbreak” at the death of about 100 galahs from mouse bait. Warning: Disturbing content

A NSW wildlife rescuer has described her “heartbreak” at discovering a flock of about 100 galahs dead after consuming mouse poison used to tackle NSW’s devastating plague.

Parkes resident Kelly Lacey was walking in a local cemetery when she found the birds lying lifeless on the ground — with just two barely clinging to life.

The animal lover, who rescues birds believed to have been poisoned in her spare time, suspected the birds suffered internal bleeding after consuming the bait because one had blood in its faeces.

A NSW wildlife rescuer has discovered

the grave of 100 Galahs. Picture: Facebook

“Seeing them sitting with each other under trees, knowing they were suffering until they have eventually died, has utterly broke me,” she said.

Mouse poison has been placed throughout Central West NSW in a desperate attempt to control the plague, which has seen thousands of mice run rampant on crops and people’s homes.

Despite Ms Lacey’s heartache at the discovery of the dead birds, she said she still agrees with culling the mice to protect farmers.

Together in life and death. Picture: Facebook

She took two of the galahs still clinging to life into her care.

“This is the reality of the mouse plague (and yes I agree with killing mice! But not spreading poisoned grain, if this is being done?) This is just a devastating situation all around. Sick and completely heartbroken,” she wrote.

She is now urging anyone in the region to call Wires if they find a sick animal believed to have consumed mouse bait.

An investigation from the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) confirmed the birds’ death was caused by the consumption of bait used to kill mice.

On Thursday, EPA executive director regulatory operations Carmen Dwyer urged people to only use mouse baits in accordance with the label amid concerns about the risk to wildlife.

“Pesticide users must make sure they handle baits safely … to protect their family, neighbours, domestic animals, wildlife and the environment.”