Appeal for return of magpie

The couple behind the popular Peggy and Molly Instagram page have called on their more than 700,000 followers to help them get magpie Molly back after they were forced to surrender it to authorities.

In a video message, Juliette Wells and Reece Mortensen said they and pet dogs Peggy and Ruby were “devastated” to lose the magpie and called for an investigation into how the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) handled the matter.

“The department of environmental science turned up on our door on the 13th of June wanting us to surrender Molly,” Ms Wells said.

“We refused as he was thriving in the trees surrounding our property and had been accepted here.

“And after long discussions they left and we thought everything was ok.

“... We are devastated to give you this news, and of course also these beautiful girls (the dogs) because they have lost their best friend.”

Molly was voluntarily surrendered to department officials on March 1.

“A magpie that was allegedly being unlawfully kept by members of the public was voluntarily surrendered to the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) on Friday 1 March,” a spokesperson said.

“It is alleged that the bird was taken from the wild and kept unlawfully, with no permit, licence or authority being issued by DESI.”

Mr Mortensen said the couple had attempted to work with the department before surrendering Molly.

“We did everything in our power to work with the department,” he said.

The couple have now launched a campaign to get Molly back, urging followers to write to their local MP, Michael Crandon, and the DESI Director General.

Mr Mortensen said supporters should demand an investigation be opened into DESI officers’ handling of the situation.