- The Ayuntamiento de torrevieja plans to hire a new company to remove free-roaming chickens from city streets.
- The previous contract was withdrawn; a new bidder will be contacted soon, with hopes to finalize the contract in September.
- Exact number of birds is unknown; previous estimates of 700 birds were precautionary figures for the contract.
- Removal process will ensure ethical relocation to sanctuaries or educational farms.
- No reported incidents of bird attacks or vehicle accidents involving the birds.
- Goal is to promote a safe, clean, and pleasant coexistence within Torrevieja’s urban environment.
Torrevieja Prepares to Remove Free-Roaming Chickens: New Contract on the Horizon
The beautiful city of Torrevieja in Alicante is preparing to tackle an unusual urban challenge: free-roaming roosters,hens,and chicks wandering the streets. After years of coexistence, the city council has decided it’s time for action, moving forward to hire a new company to remove the birds in a responsible, humane way.
Why the change in Contractor?
Concha Sala, the Councilor for Animal welfare, recently informed Europa Press that the initially selected company declined the contract to manage the bird removal. As a result, the contracting committee is set to contact the next qualified company soon to move the project forward.
Though the legal process allows for about a month to finalize this, Sala expressed optimism that the new contract could be signed within approximately 15 days, aiming for September to begin services.This swift turnaround aims to resolve the situation efficiently while respecting all legal frameworks.
The Scope: How Many Birds Are We Talking About?
One of the biggest questions is how many birds actually roam Torrevieja’s streets.Councilor Sala clarified that the exact figure is uncertain due to the difficulty in counting,and challenged the previously cited number of 700 birds,explaining it was a conservative estimate used to ensure sufficient service coverage.
| Bird Type | Estimated Number | Removal Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Roosters | Unknown (included in total estimate) | Removal and relocation |
| Hens | Unknown | Removal and relocation |
| Chicks | Unknown | Removal and relocation |
The City Council will pay the new company based on the actual number of birds removed, demanding detailed reports on both animal counts and the time spent carrying out the operation.This transparent system ensures accountability and effectiveness throughout the project’s lifespan.
Ensuring Safety and Harmony for Torrevieja Residents
Contrary to some public concerns, Councilor Sala denied any records of bird attacks on citizens or accidents involving vehicles and birds. Still, the contract includes preventive measures as authorities have observed growing small colonies near municipal parks-likely originating from abandoned or released domestic birds breeding over time.
Thes colonies pose potential risks such as:
- Health concerns linked to possible infections or unsanitary conditions
- Traffic accidents if birds cross busy streets
- Potential aggression towards vulnerable people, including children
The removal plan aims to prevent these future problems, promoting peaceful coexistence and a friendlier urban environment aligned with residents’ wishes for a clean and safe city.
What Happens to the Birds?
Importantly, the process isn’t about harming the animals but relocating them ethically. Once the contract is finalized, city officials, technicians, and the hired company will carefully coordinate collection points and suitable relocation destinations. Birds will be moved to sanctuaries or educational farms where they can live in appropriate conditions.
Summary: What Torrevieja Residents Can Expect
- The bird removal will be conducted professionally with full transparency on numbers and procedures.
- Relocation to sanctuaries will prevent harm and ensure humane treatment.
- The process will help maintain public health and traffic safety.
- City residents will benefit from cleaner streets and fewer disturbances caused by free-roaming birds.
Concha Sala closed with a hopeful message: “The goal is to ensure that coexistence in torrevieja is as friendly and safe as the citizens expect.”
Sources:
- Viva Valencia: Torrevieja’s War on Roaming Chickens
- Europa Press: Torrevieja’s Animal Welfare Measures (Referenced for additional context)