Hundreds of starlings were found dead around Rome’s Termini station, allegedly because of the fireworks that were launched to commemorate the arrival of 2021.
It is estimated that the birds were frightened and became disoriented by the fireworks, eventually hitting high-voltage windows or cables.
A Italian agency ANSA nicknamed “massacre” what happened in Rome, while the Corriere della Sera describes a “macabre cloak of bird carcasses”.
The images were shared on social networks.
The International Organization for the Protection of Animals (OIPA) shared an image of the dead birds and called for a ban on the launch of fireworks.
This year, the Mayor of Rome, Virginia Raggi, had banned the release of pyrotechnic material, not only for the sake of safety for people, but also to prevent harmful effects on pets or even damage to the city’s heritage. The official firework display took place at Circus Maximus. Those who did not comply risked a fine of up to 500 euros.
“The fines are useless, in fact there are no controls and every year we count hundreds of dead or injured wild animals and pets injured or killed because of fires and distraction from owners,” said OIPA President Massimo Comparotto, quoted by the ANSA agency.
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