Kettering’s Raptor Refuge is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the prosecution of whoever cable-tied the legs of a white-bellied sea eagle found near Evandale.
Craig Webb, who runs the facility, said the refuge was sent photos of the bird from a woman whose son had found the dead eagle.
Photos showed two cable ties attached to the bird’s leg.
“One would assume it’s been tethered,” Webb told Pulse.
“It’s a despicable act.”
Raptor Refuge said on social media that the bird “did not die by accident”.
“Cable ties were used deliberately,” they said.
“It was cruel, it was calculated, and it was a choice someone made.”
Webb said the white-bellied sea eagle is a protected species, and harming one is a serious offence.
The refuge has contacted wildlife compliance officers and was urging anyone in the Evandale area to come forward with information.
Webb said a silent supporter will help fund the reward, as the refuge is entirely self-funded and receives no government financial support.
“Any information however small, leading to the prosecution of any individuals that had anything to do with the destruction of this threatened species bird,” he said of the reward’s conditions.
The refuge operates the largest raptor rehabilitation facility in Australia and regularly receives reports of harm done to birds of prey across the state through its 1-800-RAPTOR hotline.
“We’re specialists in raptory and we put so much effort into what we do,” Webb said.
“Sometimes it’s one step forward and two back.”
The refuge’s social media post addressed whoever was responsible directly.
“Someone knows who you are,” it said.
“And to this bird: we are sorry the world failed you.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Raptor Refuge at [email protected], Tasmania Police or NRE.
