A plague of birds at a popular chicken shop in Sydney’s ritzy eastern suburbs has suddenly vanished after locals were warned against letting pet dogs eat scraps off the street.
Bosses of Rose Bay Chargrill Charlie’s admit pest controllers were brought in after reports of the pigeon and Ibis infestation at the outlet, but they insist only safe methods were used.
On Wednesday, nothing could tempt a bird down to try eating a chip thrown onto the pavement outside the fast food store when Daily Mail Australia visited.
The remaining birds in the area refused to leave their perches in nearby trees despite a scattering of tasty treats on the ground for them.
Locals had previously photographed ibises on tables inside the store as they scavenged for scraps, but they were notably absent during the midweek lunchtime rush.
Pet-owners in Rose Bay were alerted to the bird crackdown in the local Facebook community group, with a warning to look out for dogs accidentally eating any baited traps.
It also included a picture of a pigeon allegedly dying on the pavement nearby on New South Head Road, which the local said had been referred to police.
NSW Police confirmed they had received the report but were not taking any further action.
Ibises had previously been photographed inside the Rose Bay Chargrill Charlie’s scavenging for scraps but had vanished when Daily Mail Australia visited on Wednesday
There wasn’t a bird in sight at Chargrill Charlies in Rose Bay on Wednesday and none could be tempted by chips thrown onto the street for them
A concerned member of Rose Bay Community and Business Facebook group warned locals about the pest control measures at Chargrill Charlie’s store, posting a pic of this ‘dying’ pigeon
The store manager admitted the chicken shop had been plagued by birds and admitted they had taken action, but declined to comment further.
‘Before, there were a lot of birds,’ she told Daily Mail Australia. ‘But I can’t provide any comment.’
However management at Chargrill Charlie’s Sydney headquarters confirmed they had brought in experts to tackle the problem using proven and safe methods.
‘Our restaurants partner with licensed pest control providers to ensure a clean and safe environment for our customers and team members,’ a company spokesman said.
‘We can confirm that all pest control methods are tried, tested, and safe.’
Chargrill Charlie’s began in 1989 with one outlet in the beachside suburb of Coogee which has become a nationwide success with a huge celebrity following.
The popular fast food business was built by Maon and Saul Sher, offering homestyle meals to take away, including its signature chargrilled chicken and chips, as well as casseroles, roast potatoes and vegetables and a huge range of elaborate salads.
The business is now owned by Craveable Brands – owners of Oporto, Red Rooster and Chicken Treat fast-food chains – who bought it over last year.
It had 17 outlets in Sydney at the time of the takeover and employed about 500 people.
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