Norm Trass had seven of his prized racing pigeons killed after “bright blue-green feed” was discovered scattered around the loft of his house on South Buninyong Road.

The pigeons died from internal bleeding, and it could be up to a month before other birds in the area are in the clear.

Police, Hazmat crews and the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) were called to Mr Trass’ property, with the grain collected and investigations continuing.

Adding to Mr Trass’ worries, he was admitted to hospital on Saturday night after suffering a severe headache.

Yesterday the RSPCA had their say, stating that if it was proven the animals were intentionally poisoned it could fall under three areas of the legislation.

Inspector Matt French said the cruel nature of the matter could cause any charges to fall under the areas of poisoning an animal, cruelty to an animal or aggravated cruelty to an animal.

“For poisoning an animal, the maximum penalty is 1000 units (each unit is $110) for corporations, 200 units for individuals as well as two years imprisonment,” he said.

“For cruelty the maximum is $5500 fine and/or six months jail and for aggravated cruelty it is $22,000 and/or two years in jail.”

Mr French said the RSPCA was subjected to seeing numerous domestic and wild animals baited each year.

Any intentional poisoning was irresponsible due to the nature of how the poison can spread, he said.

“Unfortunately it does occur, not only to pigeons and other birds but also pet dogs and cats,” he said.

“It’s strange because not only is it cruel but it is also dangerous to non-target species and humans.

“Poisons are designed for one purpose and unfortunately none of them a pleasant.”

Orana Local Area Command crime manager Detective Inspector Rod Blackman said police investigations into the matter were continuing.

ben.walker@ruralpress.com