Charges laid over magpie deaths

A 56-year-old man has been charged with allegedly killing four, and allegedly wounding a further two Australian magpies (Gymnorhina tibicen) on a private property near Mildura.

The man faces 21 charges under the Wildlife Act 1975 and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986, including the destruction of protected wildlife and wounding an animal resulting in death.

The charges follow an investigation by Conservation Regulator Authorised Officers in the State’s northwest.

Australian magpies are a protected native species in Victoria. It is illegal to kill or harm them.

Animal cruelty offences carry a fine of up to $92,460, or imprisonment for 2 years. The man is set to face Mildura Magistrates Court on Tuesday 24 January 2023.

Conservation Regulator investigators continue to assess allegations of wildlife crime. Anyone with information about environmental crime is urged to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000.

The magpie is an iconic species in Australia and it was disappointing to find these birds injured and killed during our investigation.

Harming and killing wildlife is not only cruel, but also illegal. We urge Victorians to report any information about wildlife crime to Crime Stoppers.