The Gold Coast couple whose pet dogs Peggy and Ruby are mourning the absence of Molly the Magpie have claimed Queensland Premier Steven Miles is ignoring them after initially showing support for their plight.
Molly the magpie was removed by wildlife officials from the home of Reece Mortensen and Juliette Wells after a handful of complaints that the bird was being kept illegally.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: QLD Premier ‘snubs’ Molly and Peggy’s family.
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That prompted a furore from those who said it was cruel to break the bond between the family’s pet dogs and Molly, which had garnered them a huge social media following.
As the story gained social media traction, Queensland Premier Steven Miles weighed in, calling on authorities to help the couple secure the proper wildlife permits.
“I’m most interested in what is in the best interests of the animal and if the department can work with the family to reunite them in a way that is legal, I would support them,” he said.
“I know they take their responsibilities under the law very seriously, but I think in these circumstances there’s room for some flexibility.
“I sometimes think common sense needs to prevail.
“I hope my support for that campaign can get Molly back home.”
However, the family claims that subsequent phone calls and attempts to contact the Premier’s department have gone unanswered.
On Tuesday, Wells posted a video of Ruby having a little bit of a doggy-whinge.
“Ruby is disappointed — she said: What is taking soo long?” the video was captioned.
“MR QLD STEVEN MILES said he was going to help bring Molly home, but he’s not answering my emails or phone calls.
“I don’t understand why?
“If he does get back to me, I’m going to tell him WOOF I’m NOT Happy, I miss my bestie and think about him every day.”
Wells added that supporters needed to “keep the emails rolling”, to “keep pushing forward”.
Sharing the email addresses of both the Premier and the Department of Environment, Science & Innovation, Wells pleaded with her followers to be polite when they wrote to the authorities.
“NO AGGRESSION,” she wrote.
“Be kind — remember what these 3 best friends have shown the world.
“Love & acceptance in differences.
“We all have differences in opinions, let’s just voice them in a positive way for this Famous Magpie Molly.”
Followers of the saga said they couldn’t understand why the decision was taking so long.
“It’s taking too long, they’re just dragging it out hoping everyone will forget about Molly, Peggy, Ruby and you beautiful humans,” one follower wrote.
“I think it’s time for a protest to be organised!”
“This is so, so sad, what is wrong with the world?” wondered another.
“Why would you take a family member away from his home, that is so loved, away from them?
“I just don’t get it.”
“This seriously is breaking my heart,” added a third.
“Absolute craziness.
“Bring Molly home already!!!!!”
Since she was seized, Wells and Mortensen have not been able to see the treasured bird, but they are not giving up hope of a reunion.
Meanwhile, the Department of Environment, Science & Innovation has assured the family that Molly is doing well.
“The department has contacted the couple to assure them that Molly is being well cared for and that options are being examined for the bird’s future care,” a department spokesperson said.
“Our priority is the ongoing welfare of the magpie, and the bird is safe, undergoing rehabilitation and has full access to veterinary care.”
7NEWS.com.au has contacted the Department of the Premier and Cabinet for comment.