A magpie known for its cheeky relationship with two pups will be reunited with its unusual family after the Queensland premier stepped in.
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Molly the magpie was surrendered by its Gold Coast family in March after several complaints over the lack of a permit led to the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation stepping in.
The bird's adoptive family Juliette Wells and Reece Mortensen, who rescued the animal after it fell from a nest in 2020, were devastated when the barking magpie was taken.
But Premier Steven Miles has reassured the pair the bird was doing well.
"I've spoken to Reece and Juliette and reassured them Molly is in great spirits and is receiving good care," he said on Wednesday.
Mr Miles said the department was working with the couple to secure the right permit to bring Molly home soon.
"I know that will come as good news to the thousands of people who comment on my Facebook page every day telling me to free Molly," he said.
Molly's family were relieved by the news and thanked Mr Miles for his humanity but will not give up until the bird is back playing and cuddling with its two best friends - Staffordshire bull terriers Peggy and Ruby.
"We are so full of happiness after talking to the premier this morning," Ms Wells and Mr Mortensen said in a statement.
The pair said they would meet with the department on Thursday to finalise the solution to bring Molly home.
"Magpies get very attached to their home environments and so it breaks our hearts a little more every day to know that Molly must be so confused and sad," they said.
Australian Associated Press
