’Horrendous’ bird discovery

Fifty found allegedly poisoned and clubbed

A PROBE is underway after dozens of dead birds were found at a Tweed Coast high school, with fears they may have been poisoned and clubbed.

Fifty native birds, including beloved magpies and the endangered Bush Stone-curlew, were included in the horrifying find “in or near the grounds” of Kingscliff High School since late-December.

In the wake of the grim discovery, New South Wales Parks and Wildlife Service is now saying a “deliberate” mass poisoning may have taken place, given “many of the birds had fractured spines or other broken bones, consistent with being hit by a stick or club”.

“Since the end of December last year, about fifty native birds of five different species have been found dead or dying in or near the grounds of Kingscliff High School,” a NSW National Parks and Wildlife spokesperson said.

“One of the dead birds was an endangered Bush Stonecurlew chick.

“Almost all of the birds have displayed symptoms of being poisoned, either accidentally or deliberately.

“Several carcasses have been sent off for toxicological testing to identify the poison. NPWS is awaiting the results.

“Many of the birds had fractured spines or other broken bones, consistent with being hit by a stick or club”.

New South Wales Parks and Wildlife Service say it is an offence to harm, kill or remove native animals unless a relevant parks service license holder.

A NSW Department of Education spokesperson said a park ranger would be consulting with Kingscliff High School on Thursday in relation to the incident.

“The school will work closely with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service on this matter,” the spokesperson said.

Residents reacted with shock and anger to the suggestion that the deaths could be deliberate.

“Disgusting low life who would harm innocent animals like this. Hope they get caught soon,” one user wrote.

“Horrendous people in our community,” another said.

New South Wales police say they are not aware of the incident.

However, New South Wales Parks and Wildlife Service have powers to act on offences falling under the Biodiversity Conservation Act in the event the alleged poisoning was deliberate.