- About 700 free-roaming chickens, roosters, and hens have become a common sight in Torrevieja’s public spaces.
- The local government planned a 12-month contract to capture and relocate the birds to a wildlife sanctuary.
- The contracted company withdrew, delaying the capture process indefinitely.
- Residents complain about noise disturbances,traffic hazards,and doubts regarding animal care and relocation.
- The origin of the chicken proliferation remains unclear despite repeated control attempts since 2022.
Invasion of Chickens Disrupts Daily Life in Torrevieja
As the summer heatwave envelops Alicante’s coastal towns and tourists flock to their beaches,Torrevieja is facing an unusual challenge: an invasion of chickens roaming freely throughout the city. With over 700 birds-including roosters, hens, and chicks-wandering in parks, roundabouts, and even along the busy N-322 highway, local residents are struggling to find peace and safety amid the clucking chaos.
The Chicken Problem: More than Just a Noise Nuisance
Early morning wake-up calls by crowing roosters are just the tip of the iceberg. The animals, wich have become part of the city’s landscape over several years, complicate traffic safety and public health as they roam into streets and vehicle lanes, causing motorists to swerve and increasing the risk of accidents.
Key affected areas include:
- Parque de las Naciones
- Parque de la Estación
- Access routes to Villa Amalia
- Roundabouts at the municipality’s main entrances and exits
Municipal Efforts to Control the Flock
The Torrevieja City Council has recognized the problem as a growing threat to animal welfare and human safety. Since early 2025, efforts focused on capturing and relocating the animals have been underway:
| Action | Details |
|---|---|
| Bird Count | Approx. 700 birds in public spaces as of 2025 |
| Contract Tender | Request for proposals to capture and relocate birds humanely |
| Contract Awarded | Company selected for €19,600 contract (€28 per bird) |
| Contract Withdrawal | Company renounced contract, delaying capture efforts indefinitely |
| Supervision Plan | Post-relocation animal welfare checks twice monthly at sanctuary |
Despite the contract’s promise to relocate birds to a registered zoological sanctuary and the City Council’s pledge to monitor the animals regularly to prevent reproduction, local residents remain skeptical. Doubts persist about the final destination of the chickens and the costs involved in the capture program.
repeated Attempts, Ongoing Challenges
This is not Torrevieja’s first encounter with a chicken overpopulation problem.In 2022, a smaller-scale contract valued at €8,000 aimed to control around 500 birds, but efforts failed to put an end to the issue.
Currently, with the recent contract falling through, the city council must return to the tender process and approach other companies.Simultaneously occurring, the chickens continue to thrive in public spaces despite the discomfort and hazards caused.
Why Are these Chickens in Torrevieja?
The origin of this proliferating chicken population remains a mystery. Some residents speculate that seasonal patterns affect the numbers, seeing the animals thin out in winter and reappear in increasing numbers by summer. The municipality has stepped up cleaning efforts, but the birds remain a prominent fixture across Torrevieja’s parks and streets.
Community Concerns and Safety Risks
- Noise Pollution: Roosters crowing at dawn disturb residents’ sleep during summer months.
- Traffic Hazards: Chickens crossing roads and highways lead to potential accidents.
- animal Welfare: Birds living in hostile environments alongside vehicles are at risk of injury or death.
Neighbors urge swift action as the ongoing presence of these birds threatens quality of life and road safety in the popular coastal town.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Torrevieja’s Chicken Situation?
The Torrevieja City Council is committed to solving the issue sustainably, prioritizing animal welfare and public safety. Residents and officials alike hope that upcoming contracts with other companies will finally bring an effective solution to this unique local dilemma.
For now, the chickens remain one of the most unexpected and talked-about features of Torrevieja’s urban landscape in 2025.
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Sources:
- El Confidencial: Invasion of Chickens in Torrevieja
- Diario Información (Referenced in article): Informacion.es