There's No Common Sense In This, Steven...

Queensland Premier Steven Miles on the sad story of a magpie called Molly, seized by Queensland's Department of Science, Environment and Innovation:

'I think sometimes common sense needs to prevail and in this instance ensuring that they can legally take care of Molly is the best outcome for Molly.'

Oh, if only common sense prevailed, but Steven, there's no sign of it in this case, is there? 

Queensland legislation bans native wild animals from being domesticated because of the possible impact on wildlife.

Animals that are sick, orphaned or injured can only be rescued and cared for by those who hold a rehabilitation permit and intend to release them back into the wild.

A sensible law? Yes, so long as there's an understanding that there will always be cases that fall outside of it. 

However, the couple claim they did not look after Molly in the way a pet owner might look after a Cockatoo or a Parrot, insisting instead that the bird is free to fly around and forage for food.

Ms Wells was first asked to surrender Molly six months ago when authorities visited her home but she was unable to capture the bird as it was in a tree.

And that, right there, should have ended any planned DESI action. But bureaucracies are pricklier about their role that 17th century monarchs, and don't like to admit they were wrong. So of course, they doubled down and went in like stormtroopers, ignoring the evidence of their own eyes. 

Previously, DESI said that Molly could not fly like a normal magpie.

It's in a bloody tree! How else did it get there?