RSPCA report reveals Molly the Magpie cannot be returned to the wild
- Molly the Magpie was removed due to lack of a proper wildlife care permit for her owners.
- A veterinary report found that Molly could not fly properly and was unsuitable for release into the wild.
- Following a legal battle, a court decision overturned the wildlife carer's license of the couple, highlighting the ongoing debate about wildlife in captivity.
In March 2024, Molly the Magpie was removed from the home of Juliette Wells and Reece Mortensen on the Gold Coast after authorities discovered the couple did not have a permit to care for native wildlife. Following a public outcry, the RSPCA returned Molly after six weeks, despite initial claims that she could not be re-released into the wild. A veterinary examination conducted during this period revealed that while Molly appeared to be in good condition, X-rays indicated abnormalities in her wing bones and her flying ability was limited to about two meters. Legal action was later initiated against the Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) after it improperly granted Wells and Mortensen a specialized wildlife carer's license, a decision that contradicted previous advice from wildlife experts about the inappropriateness of keeping magpies as pets and the potential harm to their wellbeing. On the brink of further legal turmoil, a Supreme Court judge rescinded their license, reinforcing the position that Molly could not thrive in captivity and necessitating that she be sent to a sanctuary or euthanized. This controversy has sparked debates about wildlife conservation and the responsibilities of pet owners in Australia.