Authorities in Torrevieja have reported the deaths of approximately thirty chickens, believed to be the result of suspected poisoning. The environmental police have initiated an investigation after the first dead birds were found at a single location. It appears that someone may have left out poisoned food, although results from toxicological testing on the found food and the remains are still pending.

In the meantime, the local council has announced that the company responsible for managing the bird population will hold its first meeting with the municipal veterinarian to plan the commencement of capture work. Residents in the area have expressed concerns, particularly in the Parquemar III neighbourhood, calling for measures to control the growing chicken population that has taken residence in the nearby protected park.

This August, the original contractor who bid twenty-six thousand euros decided to withdraw from the project, deeming it too costly. The council has now contracted Adda Ops for thirty-three thousand six hundred euros, with a timeline of one year to address the movement of the birds. The aim is to alleviate public spaces from the presence of these birds, which pose potential risks to traffic as well as public health, considering their uncontrolled breeding in urban settings.

The chickens often attract attention on social media, leading to increased scrutiny from local authorities. Following concerns raised by the regional government regarding the threat of bird flu in other areas, the council was urged to take immediate action to control free-roaming chickens. The council acknowledges the need for proper handling and has developed a contract to oversee the situation while ensuring the welfare of the animals.