Six popular peacocks were recently found dead in Ourimbah. (Facebook)
In short:
NSW EPA has found six peacocks found dead on the Central Coast were poisoned by pesticides.
Toxicology reports showed they ingested two chemicals, one commonly found in rat and mice baits.
What’s next?
Community members are encouraged to report anymore suspicious bird deaths or the suspected misuse of pesticides.
Half a dozen peacocks which died under mysterious circumstances on the NSW Central Coast were killed by pesticides, the environmental watchdog has revealed.
Peacocks have been a familiar sight on the streets of Ourimbah for decades with the birds considered by many to be community pets.
But the suspicious deaths of six birds earlier this year sparked an investigation by the NSW Environment Protection Authoritiy (EPA).
Test results today revealed they died after ingesting pesticides.
Peafowl are regularly seen on the streets of Ourimbah. (ABC News: Meghna Bali)
NSW EPA executive director of regulatory operations Jason Gordon said toxicology reports showed they ingested two chemicals, one which is commonly found in rat and mice baits.
“It appears that multiple pesticides may have been used recklessly in Ourimbah,” Mr Gordon said.
“This is a serious offence and individuals could face serious fines and potentially stronger legal consequences.
“Many chemicals in pesticides are deadly to wildlife, and can also have impacts on the surrounding environment, so it is crucial that everyone understands to use pesticides correctly.”
A baby peafowl was adopted by wildlife carers after its mother was poisoned. (Supplied: Jacob Bullock)
Organiser of Feathers and Fur Small Animal Rescue, Jacob Bullock, said one of peacocks that died had left behind a handful of eggs.
“Thankfully a local woman found them and they were incubated, but sadly only one of them survived,” he said.
“We were given the survivor, but the poor peachick has passed because it had some deformities in both its feet and wings.
“It’s really devastating to see this happen.”
Calls for better chemical handling
Peafowl have lived among the Ourimbah community for more than 40 years. (ABC News: Meghna Bali)
Mr Bullock said in the decade he had been operating the rescue it was very common to have birds and other small animals surrendered with pesticide poisoning.
He believed the management and distribution of chemicals needed to improve.
“So many introduced and native species are heavily impacted by misuse,” he said.
“This is just one of many awful incidents that are because of poor [pesticide] management and we need to do better.”
