Summary
- Torrevieja, Alicante, has been dealing with an ongoing wild hen overpopulation sence 2014, with numbers rising up too 700 birds.
- A recent contract to capture and relocate the hens was cancelled when the hired company refused to take responsibility for rehoming them in a sanctuary.
- The city council approved a tender for a new firm to manage live capture and relocation of the birds.
- Residents feeding the hens in parks continue to complicate population control efforts.
- Social media has amplified public awareness showing wild hens roaming urban areas.
Torrevieja’s Wild Hen Problem Continues as Contractor Withdraws from relocation Effort
Torrevieja, a coastal city in Alicante, Spain, is facing a persistent challenge with an unexpected influx of wild hens that has affected the community for over a decade. Originally starting in 2014 with just a few hens near the Villa Amalia roundabout, the population of these birds has now swelled to approximately 700, disrupting public spaces and leaving local authorities scrambling for solutions.
The Origins of the Wild Hen Invasion
The wild hen population began small but quickly grew as the birds adapted to the urban habitat and found abundant food sources, partially due to some residents feeding them in parks and green spaces. This unintended support has made containment efforts much harder, allowing the flock to become a well-known feature of the city’s streets.
Recent Contract Controversy: Who Should Rehome the Hens?
In a bid to address the issue, the Torrevieja City Council announced on January 31, 2025, a public tender for a company to provide “control, live capture, and transport of wild gallinaceous birds” within the municipality. Though, the company initially awarded the contract, Ecoplanin Xestión e Información Ambiental SL, has as renounced it.
The key issue? The firm did not realize thay were also responsible for finding appropriate sanctuaries to relocate the 700 hens-a crucial detail that complex the operation.
“We didn’t understand that we were responsible for finding that sanctuary,” admitted Miguel Ángel Fernández from Ecoplanin. “We thought we only handled transportation.”
They managed to secure a refuge for around 50 hens, but the task proved too complex, leading to their withdrawal before the service could be fully deployed.
The Challenge of Rehoming Urban Wildlife
Finding sanctuaries willing and equipped to receive hundreds of wild hens is no small feat. These birds require live capture, transportation, and long-term care facilities. the failure of the initial contractor underscores the difficulties facing municipalities in managing such animal control projects effectively.
Impact on the Community and Next Steps
While the council holds another tendering process, with eight companies having submitted bids initially, the wild hens continue to roam freely around streets and public areas of Torrevieja. This persistence has sparked attention on social media platforms, where residents post footage of the birds wandering urban spaces.
Local residents should avoid feeding the hens to help control their numbers and assist authorities in managing this unintended wildlife issue.
Torrevieja City Council’s Path Forward:
- Evaluate new bids from remaining firms interested in the contract.
- Clarify contract terms to ensure full responsibility, including sanctuary placement.
- Launch public details campaigns advising residents against feeding wild hens.
- Develop long-term plans for population control and urban wildlife management.
| aspect | Current status | Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| Hen Population | Approx. 700 birds roaming publicly | Control and capture efforts pending |
| Contractor Role | Initial company withdrew over sanctuary duties | New contractor to be chosen |
| Public Involvement | Some residents feed hens, complicating control | Advisories to discourage feeding |
Conclusion
The wild hen issue in Torrevieja is a vivid example of how urban wildlife can become challenging to manage when human behavior, such as feeding animals, inadvertently encourages growth. With renewed efforts underway and lessons learned from the contract withdrawal,the city aims to find a sustainable,humane solution to restore balance in public spaces and keep Torrevieja’s streets free of free-roaming hens.
Stay tuned for updates as the city moves forward with selecting a new company to tackle this intriguing urban wildlife challenge.
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