Authorities put tragic end to magpie and dog's Insta-famous friendship

Authorities have ended an unlikely friendship between a magpie and a dog in Australia.

The pair became an internet sensation when Molly the magpie was found unwell and taken home, where she became fast friends with Peggy, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Juliette Wells and Reece Mortensen had both animals at the Gold Coast home in Australia.

They took Molly home after finding that she had fallen from a nest in a local park.

Speaking in 2021, Mortensen said: “She’ll fly away for a couple of days and then she’ll come back."

They also started an Instagram page aiming to provide people with a 'daily dose of happiness and fun'.

The pair even released a book with Penguin, which featured photos of the Molly and Peggy together.

But things have now come to an end after Molly was taken away by the authorities.

Instagram / peggyandmolly

Australia has very strict rules surrounding the treatment and management of its unique wildlife.

One such rule means that injured or sick animals must be rehabilitated by someone who is trained and licensed to do so.

This is so the animals doesn't become too reliant on humans and can be released back into the wild.

With Molly, this did not happen. She had become too dependent on humans and cannot be released back into the wild.

The environment department in Queensland said that Molly was 'voluntarily surrendered' to authorities.

A statement from the Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) said: “Animals that are sick, orphaned or injured must go to a person who holds a valid rehabilitation permit, which are issued to people who have demonstrated skills, knowledge and experience dealing with and caring for native animals.

Instagram / peggyandmolly

“The purpose of rehabilitating native wildlife is to provide care so that the animal can be released back to the wild.

“When an animal is being rehabilitated, it must be done in a way that minimises humanisation and allows it to exhibit natural instincts and behaviour."

Not only that, but allowing a wild animal to associate with a domestic animal is also a big no no.

Queensland DESI said: “Animals in rehabilitation must not associate with domestic animals due to the potential for them to be subjected to stress and the risks of behavioural imprinting and transmission of diseases. Animals from the wild must stay wild.”

The department added that it is currently looking for a 'suitable facility' for Molly.