More than a dozen swallows were found coated in a glue-like substance near the city's Queensgate Shopping Centre. Photo: Supplied / Wellington Bird Rehabilitation Trust
Queensgate Shopping Centre has confirmed it is responsible for putting down a sticky gel that killed a number of birds.
Seventeen swallows were found coated in a glue-like substance near the city's Queensgate Shopping Centre in Lower Hutt.
All of the birds found with the substance last week and over the weekend have died.
In a statement Queensgate apologised for any distress and harm the situation had caused.
The shopping centre said the birds had come into contact with a non-poisonous, non-toxic, tacky bird repellent gel that aimed to discourage birds from landing and roosting in external areas of the centre where bird netting could not be installed.
Queensgate said it used a recommended gel in certain outside areas of the shopping centre and as soon as it was made aware of the situation its maintenance team arrived on site on Friday morning to remove the gel.
It said it was now reassessing its bird deterrent options, including the application of the gel, to ensure it installed a solution that will not harm the local wildlife.
SPCA said it was aware of the situation and investigating, but was unable to comment further.
