Authorities are investigating a potential case of animal cruelty after receiving reports of illegally tagged magpies in Hoppers Crossing.
Werner Bernhardt, 77, said he has seen at least half a dozen birds with "homemade" metal rings around their necks and legs, including one bird that had died.
"When you see the bird there holding its leg up and looking sad and distressed, it does get to you," he said.
"My wife and daughter saw them as well and they were quite upset about it."
Mr Bernhardt first noticed the banding on magpies that landed on his property in February.
Mr Bernhardt said he contacted the RSPCA earlier in the year.
When he did not hear back after several weeks, he decided to capture the banded birds with a net so he could remove the tags himself.
"My wife Elizabeth and I have rescued four birds so far," Mr Bernhardt said.
"I could tell by just looking [that the tags] were not what [would] be required by some sort of body that was tagging them and numbering them for research — they were just homemade."
A spokesperson from RSPCA Victoria said the organisation was concerned by the matter, "which could constitute offences under both the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 and the Wildlife Act 1975".
"All native wildlife is protected in Victoria and we encourage anyone who is aware of instances of cruelty or disturbance to wildlife to contact the Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Action, as they are the lead agency for investigations relating to wildlife under both acts," the spokesperson said.
Investigation underway
Forest and wildlife officer for Victoria's Conservation Regulator, Lucille Watterson, said the regulator had received "quite a few" community reports of magpies with metal banded legs and chained necks in the Hoppers Crossing area.
They are investigating whether the cases are linked.
"It's illegal to tag magpies or any other native birds without any kind of permit, as well [as] inflicting pain and suffering to protected wildlife," Ms Watterson said.
The maximum penalty for aggravated cruelty leading to death or serious disablement of an animal is $92,460 or imprisonment for up to two years.
Ms Watterson said the addition of any kind of foreign object to the birds' bodies had the ability to "significantly hinder" a magpie's ability to fly, escape predators and to feed.
"It's definitely not an acceptable behaviour," Ms Watterson said.
"We want people to share the environment with our wildlife without disturbing and harming them."
Anyone who sights a distressed animal is urged to contact Wildlife Victoria 03 8400 7300.
