Birds Found Dead on Roman Street; Animal-Rights Groups Blame Fireworks

Hundreds of starlings were found dead on a street near Roma Termini, Rome’s main railway station, early on January 1, and local animal-rights groups say New Year’s Eve fireworks were the likely cause.

Diego Fenicchia, who shot this footage, told Storyful he encountered the macabre scene on Via Cavour shortly after midnight on January 1.

Fenicchia speculated that New Year’s fireworks could have been a factor, and the Italian Bird Protection League (LIPU) agreed with his assessment. In a statement, LIPU that said fireworks had panicked the starlings, causing them to slam into each other and other obstacles.

The International Organization for Animal Protection (OIPA) also blamed fireworks, which were set off at various locations despite citywide ban in effect from December 31 to January 6. Credit: Diego Fenicchia via Storyful