- Torrevieja City Council is seeking a new company to remove roaming roosters, hens, and chicks from urban streets.
- The initially selected company declined to take on the contract.
- The next step involves contacting the runner-up company, with hopes to finalize the contract by September.
- Estimated bird population is around 700, and payments will be based on the number of birds removed.
- Measures aim to prevent health issues,traffic accidents,and ensure public safety,particularly for children and vulnerable people.
Torrevieja’s Plan to Address the Growing issue of Free-Roaming Birds in the City
The municipality of Torrevieja, located in the province of Alicante, Spain, is making moves to tackle an unusual but persistent urban challenge: the free-roaming population of roosters, hens, and chicks wandering the city streets.This issue has been ongoing for years, prompting the City Council to seek professional help to remove these birds safely and responsibly.
Why the Need to Remove the Birds?
Though there have been no official reports of attacks or traffic accidents caused by the birds, their steady increase-particularly near public parks-poses several risks:
- Potential spread of infections and health concerns.
- traffic hazards due to birds wandering near roads.
- Risks of aggressive pecking towards children or vulnerable people.
- General impact on sanitation and city cleanliness.
Contracting a new Company: What’s Happening?
The city Council initially awarded the contract to a company capable of managing this task. However, the chosen company later declined to provide the service. Concha Sala, the Councilor for Animal Welfare, explained that the next step is to reach out to the second-best bidder to accept the contract.
Officials anticipate that this procurement process could take up to a month, though Sala is optimistic it will be resolved within approximately two weeks. Following contract signing, expected in September, the Council will work closely with the selected company to organize the removal and relocation of the birds to suitable environments such as animal sanctuaries or educational farms.
Bird Population and Payment Model
The city estimates that about 700 birds have been roaming freely. This figure was included in the contract guidelines as a precaution to ensure ample resources for the task. The company awarded the contract will be compensated based on the actual number of birds captured and removed, which they must document and justify.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Number of birds | Approximately 700 |
| Service Payment | Based on birds captured |
| End Destination for Birds | Sanctuaries and educational farms |
| Contract Finalization Timeline | Expected by September 2024 |
Looking Ahead: ensuring Safe Coexistence
Concha Sala stressed that the initiative embraces a preventive approach focused on maintaining both public health and animal welfare. “Our goal is to foster a harmonious environment in Torrevieja where citizens and animals can coexist safely,” she said.
as the city moves forward with this plan, residents can expect a safer, cleaner urban space free from the risks associated with uncontrolled bird populations. The collaboration between the City Council and the new contractor will play a crucial role in addressing this peculiar but vital urban challenge.
Stay Updated
Torrevieja’s officials encourage residents to stay informed on this project’s progress and recognize that these measures are part of broader efforts in urban animal welfare management. updates will be provided as the contract process concludes and field operations begin.
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