Sydney bird killer wanted by police after another shooting in Avalon
Residents of one of Sydney’s most exclusive streets are being asked to dob in their callous neighbour after a number of birds were shot. WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGES
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Millionaire homeowners on one of the city’s wealthiest streets are at the centre of a police investigation after a serial-killing bird hater has struck again.
One cockatoo had to be euthanised this week after being shot in the wing and another has an air rifle pellet buried in its stomach.
The scene of the crimes is exclusive Riverview Road in Avalon where homes overlook the boating mecca of Pittwater and residents are being asked to dob in their callous neighbour after the third year in a row of birds being targeted.
Police have collected the pellet taken from the cockatoo that was shot on Sunday and have been searching bushland along the ritzy street. As a protected species, the penalty for shooting and killing a cockatoo is up to five years in jail and or a $22,000 fine.
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“We are asking people to dob in the neighbour who is doing this. They need to be caught,” local WIRES rescuer Robin Boler said today.
The birds are being shot at the same time of the year and Ms Boler, who was called to pick up the latest Riverview victim on Sunday, said the reason could be that someone did not like it that the cockatoos are attracted to their spring flowering shrubs.
“It is a terrible thing to do to any creature,” she said.
“I know people dislike cockatoos because they can be quite destructive but they have every right to live here. They are beautiful birds.”
Avalon Veterinary Hospital is compiling a report into the number of birds with shot wounds they have seen. Last year a kookaburra was one of the victims but it survived.
The cockatoo which was shot in the stomach can’t fly, although they don’t think it is linked to being shot and is being cared for by WIRES volunteer Lyn Millett on Bilgola Plateau.
“He was lucky that the pellet is not near any vital organs but it will probably take a couple of months before he can fly again,” Ms Millett said.
“Cockatoos can be a bit raucous at times and people get annoyed because they break off branches and make a mess but turning the hose on them is much kinder than shooting them.”
She said the birds can live to be 100.
Northern Beaches Police said they have launched an investigation into the shootings and reports that similar incidents had occurred over the past two years.
“A search of the surrounding area has been conducted and inquiries are continuing,” a police spokeswoman said.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Dee Why Police Station on 9971 3399 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.