The birds in Southern Cross Station, Melbourne's public transport hub, are being poisoned.  Poisoned bait, that looks like wheat, is currently placed uncovered in the station weekly.  Birds such as sparrows, seagulls and pigeons die agonising, slow deaths.  As they struggle on the floor of busy thoroughfares and food venues, some are unintentionally stepped on by customers and commuters.  I have seen several birds squashed and decapitated this way.  

Not only is this inhumane, it is unhygienic, and dangerous.  The poisoned bait, and poisoned animals, are within easy reach of children and pets.  Station Management have failed to provide notice to the unaware public that there is poison in the area.  There is no way to ensure only particular species of birds will consume the poison, so native species of bird are at risk.  There is no appropriate procedure in place for the safe disposal of the poisoned bird bodies.  Currently station cleaning staff place them into the general rubbish.

The station is an open structure. Birds will continue to fly in and out.  Poisoning is inappropriate and cruel, and must be stopped.