Spencer Place: Mystery as piles of dead pigeons appear on Leeds street to horror of residents

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Alarming piles of dead pigeons have appeared in a Leeds suburb, to the horror of shocked residents.

The grim discovery on a residential street near Potternewton Park prompted concerns that the birds may have been poisoned.

While the cause of the pigeons’ deaths is still a mystery, a councillor said that the issue would be investigated.

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Dog-walkers said they were left shocked after spotting alarming piles of dead pigeons in a Leeds suburb.Dog-walkers said they were left shocked after spotting alarming piles of dead pigeons in a Leeds suburb.
Dog-walkers said they were left shocked after spotting alarming piles of dead pigeons in a Leeds suburb. | Submitted

Heather Howland was shocked and baffled when she first noticed the heaps of lifeless birds on Spencer Place.

“There were as many as 30 or 40 of them - and around five piles,” said Heather, who had been walking her dog.

“We first saw them about three weeks ago. There was a pizza box with 12 dead pigeons in it, and more over the paths and verges.

“It didn’t seem right. I was worried that dogs might try to eat them. It’s their instinct, especially retrievers.”

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The 53-year-old, who lives in Chapel Allerton, added: “I thought they might have been poisoned. I didn’t know who to get in touch with about it.”

Eileen Taylor, a councillor for the ward, was surprised to hear about the discovery. She said: “I didn’t know about this. It is strange. I’m not sure what could have happened.

“I’ve never dealt with anything like this before and wouldn’t want to jump to conclusions, but it’s not very nice.”

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Coun Taylor said she would look into the issue and refer it to the relevant council officer for investigation.

The avian graveyard was reported on Spencer Place.The avian graveyard was reported on Spencer Place.
The avian graveyard was reported on Spencer Place. | Submitted

The RSPCA was asked about what may have led to the pigeons’ deaths.

An spokesperson for the charity said: “We’re very sorry to hear about this shocking discovery. It must have been very distressing for the dog-walkers who found the pigeons.

“The incident should be reported to the local authority, as they deal with dead birds on public land.

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“We do not know the circumstances of the deaths, but feral pigeons can be shot legally under some general licences, for example to prevent damage to crops or for public health and safety, so it's possible this could be the result of legal activity.

“If there is a potential risk of poisoning, we’d encourage pet-owners to keep an eye on the wellbeing of their animals and if they are showing symptoms of poisoning please get them veterinary treatment immediately.

“Signs of poisoning can be seen anything from 30 minutes after an animal has ingested the chemical, though it can be two or three days before signs of kidney failure are seen.

“The signs of poisoning can include one, or several, of the following: vomiting, seeming depressed or sleepy, appearing drunk and uncoordinated, seizures, and difficulty breathing.”

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Those who suspect that an animal may have been poisoned should take it to a vet immediately and, if possible, bring a sample of what may have been ingested.

Anyone who deliberately poisons an animal can be prosecuted under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

A spokesperson for Leeds City Council said: “Officers from Leeds City Council’s environmental services team have visited and removed a number of dead pigeons from the area around Spencer Place and Harehills Avenue.

“The area has been checked and officers will continued to monitor it in the coming days.”

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