General News
7 May, 2025
Dog owners share fears after bird deaths
As an investigation continues into the cause of death of around 50 corellas along the Wimmera River, dog owners have shared the fears they experienced after exercising their pets in the area before the discovery was made.
Stu Ballinger said one of his dogs had a bout of aggressive and sudden vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy after finding something around the Weir Park area.
"She luckily shook it off after about six hours, and I don't know for certain the events are connected, but it seems way too coincidental considering we visit the Weir every day," Mr Ballinger said.
Mr Ballinger's German shorthaired pointer, Hilda, now appears to be fine but it was an anxious time for the dog owner.
"I also find it distressing that someone here is capable of such cruelty, especially towards animals," he said.
"I honestly believe that whoever did this didn't even consider that other animals could be collateral damage, be it through recklessness or just plain stupidity."
Another Horsham resident, Jorja Clode, also shared her story.
"I was walking my dog near the river and did see a dead corella but didn't think much of it," Ms Clode said.
"I was then stopped by a council lady who said I needed to pick up my dog as poison was spread across the ground and killing the birds.
"My dog often eats things off the ground so I called the vet for some advice.
"I wasn't sure she had eaten any but wanted to get on top of it if she had."
Vets recommended Ms Clode take her dog, Missy, in for a check-up and to administer medicine to help her to vomit up any poison that might have been in her system.
"Thirty minutes later we were all clear but the vet said if I had not taken her in and she'd started to display symptoms, there would've been nothing they could've done to help her," Ms Clode said.
"Luckily, she didn't eat any of the poison; she was a bit tired after the whole fiasco but is back to her normal self now."
Wimmera Mallee News is not confirming or suggesting that Mr Ballinger's dog was poisoned, or that the coreallas died as a result of poisoning – deliberate or otherwise.
However, the newspaper has chosen to share both his and Ms Clode's experience to illustate the concern it has caused among some community members, particularly owners of pets.
While the incident was reported to Agriculture Victoria by Horsham Rural City Council and is currently been investigated, people are reminded to keep their pets clear of the area and if they find a dead or sick bird to not move or touch it.
People are advised to instead note the location of the carcass and report groups of five or more dead or sick birds to DEECA by calling 136 186.
