New appeal for information over corella deaths at Horsham

Eight months after hundreds of corellas were found dead along a riverbank at Horsham, investigators are renewing their call for community help to solve the crime.

The Conservation Regulator launched an investigation when more than 50 deceased birds were found along the Wimmera River on Tuesday 29 April 2025. In the days that followed, that number rose to 300.

The birds were located on the banks of the Wimmera River and in the water, having suffered internal bleeding from poisoning.

Mixed grain had been evenly distributed throughout the water frontage area where the birds were found. These seeds were collected and tested.

After a number of enquiries, investigators are now calling for anyone who may have seen a push-along seed dispenser being used in the area in the days leading up to the incident, to come forward.

Seed dispensers are commonly used on sporting ovals and parklands to evenly distribute lawn seed and fertiliser.

Investigators believe this information may help advance the investigation.

The Conservation Regulator is also appealing for anyone with CCTV footage or dashcam footage of the riverbank area on Monday 28 April 2025 to come forward.

Historically, corellas have been subjected to illegal poisonings, in response to large flocks gathering in gardens and sports fields where food sources are readily available.

Corellas are protected under Victoria’s Wildlife Act 1975 and there are significant penalties for destroying protected wildlife without authorisation.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersvic.com.au. Reports can be made anonymously.

The Conservation Regulator helps protect Victoria’s wildlife, by identifying, investigating and prosecuting those responsible for wildlife crimes. Calls from the community to Crime Stoppers play an important role in this process.

Quotes attributable to Grampians Manager of Regulatory Operations Brian Hamer:

“We’ve advanced the investigation to the point where a single tip-off from the public – with the right information – could be critical to progressing the outcome of this case.”

“Reports can be made anonymously. We need the community’s help to prevent something like this from happening again.”

“The missing piece of the puzzle may be something someone has seen or overheard – and it could be the information that solves the case, allowing us to charge those responsible for this crime.”