An alleged bird catcher, who said he tied the ibis to its feet and tried to push it into a wheelchair because of “bird disturbances”, was bailed under very specific rules.
Tom Quach was released on bail at Waverley Local Court on Wednesday on charges of cruelty to animals and attacking or attempting to harm a protected animal.
Quach was arrested earlier this year. After a video of him trying to put a troubled bird into his wheeled shopping bag went viral online.
Police received a call about a man allegedly holding the Ibis outside Eastwood train station.
Authorities were told the man had tied a rope around the bird’s feet and neck. and trying to put the bird in a red wheeled suitcase
Several people intervened and managed to snatch the bird away from the man. which left the area before the police arrived
Witnesses told police that the bird appeared to have an injured and bleeding beak. But it flew away before the police and WIRES arrived.
On Wednesday, Quach was released on conditional bail to return to his Maroubra home but will be barred from approaching or possessing any birds.
No more than three times a week, Quach’s home is subject to police raids for any birds – dead or alive.
The court heard earlier that Quach had “flogged” the Ibis. Because the other birds had “chased and attacked” him.
“In his mind he was attacked,” his legal aid attorney told the court.
“The birds chased him and annoyed him. So he screamed and vented his frustration at the bird.”
Quach was also charged with one count of possession of banned drugs and possession of suspected theft goods.
Under bail conditions imposed on Wednesday, Quach must report to Maroubra police every day and be subject to a strict curfew from 8pm to 6am.
He has also been ordered to be treated at the Prince of Wales Hospital and will be barred from taking drugs or alcohol.
Australian white ibis Or known colloquially as the flying chicken. It is a protected species under the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 and therefore cannot be harmed or tampered with.