A man who had previously killed an ibis appeared in court on Sunday after allegedly injuring native birds in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
Tom Quach, 61, served prison time for animal cruelty and was warned to stay away from all native birds.
Police were called to Anzac Parade, Malabar, about 5.30pm on Saturday, following reports of animal abuse.
When officers arrived, they were told that a man had allegedly used fishing line to catch two long-billed corellas before putting them in a suitcase and leaving the scene with them.
Shocked witnesses allegedly saw Quach “brandishing” the closed case as he walked inside his unit’s block.
After investigations, the police went to a nearby house where they located the two injured birds in an animal transporter.
“Both birds were taken to a Sydney vet in stable condition, where they are receiving treatment,” a NSW Police spokesperson said.
Police arrested Quach at the house before taking him to Maroubra police station.
Tom Quach (pictured) served prison time for animal cruelty and was warned to stay away from all native birds.

Quach allegedly used fishing line to catch two long-billed corellas before putting them in a suitcase and leaving the scene with them. Stock image of two long-billed corellas
“Police will allege that the man shook the suitcase containing the two native birds, causing injuries,” the spokesperson added.
Quach, originally from Vietnam, was charged with committing an act of cruelty to an animal and harming or attempting to harm a protected animal.
He did not apply for bail when he appeared at Parramatta Local Court on Sunday.
In August 2023, Quach was jailed for capturing an ibis in a public park and killing it before attempting to cook it for dinner.
At the time, Waverley Local Court heard that captured an ibis, affectionately known as a “chicken bin” in a park in May 2023 before putting it in his backpack and returning home.
He then decapitated the ibis and hung it in the shower to dry before attempting to cook it.
His lawyer, Hayley Le, told the court Quach was confused about the ibis’ protected status, having previously caught and eaten the bird in Queensland.
Ms Le said her client had “less moral culpability than others” due to a mental health condition and a “very serious drug problem on which he spends most of his pension”.
Although she asked that Quach not be imprisoned, he was sentenced to six months behind bars and a $600 fine.