Dog and Bird Besties Have Been Torn Apart and People are Furious
Peggy, a Staffordshire bull terrier, and Molly, a magpie, have been best friends since Molly was discovered abandoned in a park around four years ago. These two have thrilled social media users with their unlikely friendship and they even have a book written about their love and acceptance of one another.
Now their owners Juliette Wells and Reece Mortensen have made the heartbreaking announcement that Molly has been surrendered to the Department of Science and Innovation, due to a small group of people complaining about them.
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The couple explained on Instagram, "We are Devastated to share this news with you Molly has been surrendered to the Southern wildlife Operations Department of Environment , science and innovation .We are asking why a wild Magpie can’t decide for himself where he wants to live and who he wants to spend his time with ?"
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People in the comments are furious about this development, and one person said, "These people think they know best, however, Molly is bonded with this family and can’t be released back into the wild. So, what are they going to do with Molly? Put him in a big cage, to live his life without his flock?! How cruel is this?!"
It does seem incredibly cruel, and the family is obviously heartbroken.
Another person added, "I worked with animal rescues and rehabilitations and I can say that taking away a magpie from the people it imprinted on is DEVASTATING to the animal. If Molly was not causing any harm or destruction to property, there was no reason to force her to be surrendered. She was well cared for by people who knew what they were doing. I honestly hope this brings everyone up in arms to save Molly and bring her home."
CNN reported a quote from Prominent bird expert and behavioral ecologist Darryl Jones from Griffith University who said, "That animal now thinks it belongs to that family… It should go back to the people.”
The couple shared this post on Facebook today:
CNN also reported that a spokesman for the Department of Science and Innovation (DESI) said in a statement the bird had been “illegally” taken from the wild and been kept with “no permit, license or authority.”
“Animals in rehabilitation must not associate with domestic animals due to the potential for them to be subjected to stress and the risks of behavioral imprinting and transmission of diseases,” the statement added. “Animals from the wild, must stay wild.”
Looking at all of the photos and videos of Peggy and Molly together, neither animal looks stressed. If this is all Molly has ever known then he should be allowed to stay with his family.
You can sign the petition to keep Peggy and Molly together here.
You can learn more about Peggy and Molly at their website here.
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