Member for The Entrance David Mehan is urging residents to assist the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) as it investigates the deaths of peacocks and other animals at Ourimbah.
On Thursday, January 2, the EPA received a report from a concerned community member about a dead peacock on Coachwood Dr, Ourimbah.
The bird had shown signs of a possible poisoning, including diarrhoea and other symptoms.
Subsequently, in early January, the EPA letterboxed residents in the vicinity of Coachwood Dr and Peppermint Cl, notifying them of the possible poisoning of birds in the area.
The EPA is waiting for further test results to determine the cause of death.
Should the EPA find that this has been a deliberate act, the maximum penalties if found guilty under the Pesticides Act 1999 in NSW, is $2M for corporations and $500,000 for individuals.
“Whether people love or loathe the peacocks of Ourimbah, animal cruelty will not be tolerated,” Mehan said.
“I urge the community to remain vigilant while investigations continue and report any concerns directly to the EPA.”
NSW EPA Director Operations David Gathercole has asked the general public to contact the EPA if they have any information about the matter.
“We consider the killing of birds a serious offence and we’re making inquiries in the local area,” he said.
“Under the Pesticides Act, it’s illegal to use pesticides to kill or harm non-target animals.
“We encourage anyone with information to come forward by calling our 24/7 Environment Line on 131 555 or emailing info@epa.nsw.gov.au.”
It’s not advisable for members of the public to handle sick or deceased birds.
If you find a sick bird WIRES 24/7 Rescue Call Centre can be contacted on 1300 094 737.
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