Molly the Magpie to be returned to former carers

Just hours after a Gold Coast couple accused the Queensland Premier of ignoring their pleas to return Molly the magpie, there has been a surprise development.

Molly the famous magpie will be reunited with its owners and best friend Peggy the English Staffy “very soon”.

Queensland Premier Steven Miles dropped the bombshell on Wednesday morning, just hours after the Gold Coast couple fighting for the bird’s return accused him of ignoring their calls.

“This morning the Department has advised me that the couple can secure the appropriate licence. The team will work with them now to do that,” Mr Miles wrote.

“It’s good news and means Molly can come home very soon.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has written to me to share their concerns and advocate for Molly’s return.”

Reece Mortensen and Juliette Wells, the distraught owners of Peggy and another dog Ruby, had earlier claimed the Premier had turned a deaf ear to their calls for assistance.

Wildlife officials removed Molly, the magpie, from the couple’s residence on March 1 following complaints of illegal possession.

A Gold Coast couple’s pet magpie, Molly, was removed from their home by wildlife officials in March. Picture: Facebook / Peggy and Molly

The couple’s dogs, Peggy and Ruby, have a strong bond with Molly. Picture: Facebook / Peggy and Molly

The decision sparked outrage among supporters, who argued that separating Molly from the family’s dogs, Peggy and Ruby, was unjust and cruel, given their strong bond, which had garnered significant attention on social media platforms.

Molly the magpie was rescued as a chick by the couple after he fell from his nest at a local park in 2020.

The magpie later became an online sensation after the couple shared his unlikely friendship with their English staffy, Peggy, on social media.

Molly — who has never been caged or forced to stay inside — forged a heartwarming bond with the dog, and until March, the pair were often seen eating and playing together in videos shared online.

Mr Miles initially expressed his support for the couple’s plight on March 28, urging authorities to facilitate the procurement of proper wildlife permits.

Premier Steven Miles initially supported the couple’s plea to bring Molly back home. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

“I’m most interested in what is in the best interests of the animal … I hope my support for that campaign can get Molly back home,” he stated.

“I know they take their responsibilities under the law very seriously, but I think in these circumstances there’s room for some flexibility.

“I sometimes think common sense needs to prevail.

“I hope my support for that campaign can get Molly back home.”

However, Mortensen and Wells alleged on Tuesday that their attempts to reach out to the Premier’s office for further assistance have fallen on deaf ears.

“Ruby is disappointed … If he does get back to me, I’m going to tell him Ruff I’m NOT Happy, I miss my bestie and worry about him every day,” a post from Peggy and Molly’s Facebook page read.

The post was accompanied by footage of Peggy the staffy softly howling.

Molly’s former carers allege that the Premier has turned a deaf ear to their calls for assistance. Picture: Facebook / Peggy and Molly

Over 154,000 Australians have signed an online petition to reunite Peggy and Molly. Picture: Facebook / Peggy and Molly

“MR QLD STEVEN MILES said he was going to help bring Molly home, but he’s not answering my emails or phone calls,” it continued.

“I don’t understand why?

“If he does get back to me, I’m going to tell him WOOF I’m NOT Happy, I miss my bestie and think about him every day.”

On Wednesday morning, Mr Miles set the record straight.

“I’ve spoken to Reece and Juliette and reassured them Molly is in great spirits and is receiving good care. “

He added the Department of Environment and Science and Innovation advised him that the carers can secure the appropriate licence with work now underway on a return.

Since March 26, over 154,000 Australians have signed an online petition urging authorities to reunite Peggy and Molly.

Signatories have voiced their concern over the situation, with one describing it as “bureaucracy gone mad” and others expressing apprehension for the emotional wellbeing of both the dog and the magpie.

Originally published as Molly the Magpie to be returned to former carers