Croydon Athletics Track cage netting to be replaced after cockatoos strangled
Animal-lovers were horrified when they found cockatoos trapped in netting at a Croydon sports park. Now the “death trap” is getting fixed thanks to the ensuing community outcry.
Outer East
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Netting at the Croydon Athletics Track is set to be replaced following an outcry over cockatoos getting strangled in its field cage.
The nets were installed 18 months ago to allow Croydon’s Little Athletics Club to safely host discus and hammer-throw training and competitions.
An eagle deterrent was also installed on the cage to stop birds from flying into the area but it was recently stolen.
COCKIES CAUGHT IN ‘DEATH TRAP’ CAGE
ANGER OVER EASTFIELD PARK FALLING TREES
As reported by Maroondah Leader last week, six short-billed corellas were caught in the cage on Thursday, one of which was bleeding.
Mooroolbark’s Cath Pezzimenti was walking her dog near the track when she noticed the situation.
She posted for help on the Maroondah Noticeboard Facebook page, with several strangers rushing to cut holes in the netting and free the birds.
“I realised there were a few birds trapped, and the rest were pecking the net and trying to get them out,” Ms Pezzimenti said.
“It’s absolutely a death trap; if I wasn’t there or doing anything, I’m sure those birds would have been dead.”
Ringwood wildlife rescuer David Ballard said he had rescued birds from the cage up to three times a week and raised the issue with the council on four occasions this summer.
He said the cage was a safety hazard for birds during the warmer months.
“That’s when all the baby birds are fledgling and taking flight and they get caught in the netting,” he said.
“It’s disgusting seeing the birds injured like that and it doesn’t need to happen.”
Maroondah Mayor Rob Steane said the council was aware of two instances where birds had been caught in the cage since December.
He said the council had installed a new eagle deterrent at the cage and is considering adding a scarer device, along with replacement netting with a tighter weave that will prevent birds from being caught.
Cr Nora Lamont said the replacement netting had already been ordered in a comment on Maroondah Leader’s Facebook page.
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