Devastating update on Molly the Magpie
Molly the Magpie is at risk of being separated from his rescue family again after a special wildlife carers licence was overturned in court this week.
Juliette Wells and Reece Mortensen had rescued the bird when he fell from a nest in 2020. The couple and their two dogs, Peggy and Ruby, have since formed a special relationship with the magpie who now lives with them.
Molly's unlikely friendship with the two staffordshire terriers quickly became an internet sensation, but after complaints that the couple did not have the appropriate licences to look after the magpie, she was surrendered to Queensland wildlife authorities in March.
After receiving pressure from the public and some politicians, the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) “approved a specialised licence” and returned Molly to the couple almost two months after the bird had been surrendered.
The licence was granted on the condition that the couple would not make commercial gain from Molly, continue wildlife training and engage with the department to “ensure the bird is receiving adequate care and enrichment”.
However, on Monday the Supreme Court had overturned the granting of the specialised licenced, following a judicial review.
Legal firm XD Law & Advocacy sought the judicial review on behalf of an unnamed wildlife volunteer representing a network of volunteers who work to care for injured and rescued birds.
“This action was not about one magpie — it was about reinforcing Queensland’s wildlife protection laws and the integrity of the wildlife licensing system," the applicant said.
“I am grateful to the Supreme Court and so proud of all the wildlife carers that stood up for the law when the Department and the former Premier failed to do so.
“We are the ones who deal with the wreckage of the social media fad of capturing baby magpies and training them to do cute tricks.
“There is nothing cute about wings and legs bitten off by family pets. There is nothing cute about seeing a domesticated magpie ferociously attacked by a wild flock when they first interact.
“We are not commenting at all on what should be done with Molly — we will not be exposing our members to that violence and abuse again.”
Following the court decision, a DETSI spokesperson said in a statement: “In trying to protect the welfare of the bird — which has always been our highest priority — we made an error, and we are currently considering next steps."
Image: Instagram