10 January 2024 , 15:59
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Dozens of dead pigeons have been spotted floating in a canal - with one witness blaming youths armed with air rifles.
The bodies of an estimated 60 birds were seen near the towpath of the Leeds Liverpool canal in Ormskirk, near to Black-A-Moor Lane in Lancashire. Pictures taken on Monday (January 8) show the pigeons floating on their front in the water. One woman described the sight as "disturbing" and an "upsetting thing to see".
She said: "There were about 60 dead pigeons floating in the canal. The local café said young lads with air rifles did it." Other people also shared their shock on local Facebook group the Maghull Community page. A woman said it "wasn't the first time this has happened either" and another person said it was "upsetting to see".
People also suggested it could possibly be bird flu, however a spokesperson for the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs said it was not a matter for the department and to contact Lancashire Police. Research carried out by The Roslin Institute in Edinburgh found pigeons had low amounts of bird flu virus in their bodies and showed a low immune response following exposure.
A witness blamed youths armed with air rifles (Liverpool Echo)Scientists suggested this meant pigeons have an inherent ability to prevent viruses from entering cells or spreading. Back in October 2022, the Liverpool Echo also reported the bodies of dead pigeons have been spotted in areas across Merseyside, including people's gardens and local parks, some of which have "gruesome and horrific injuries".
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Some of the birds were even found headless. Bailey Higham, admin of the Liverpool, Merseyside Bird Rescue and Advice Facebook Page said at the time that the organisation believed it was a "human act".
The Mirror has approached Lancashire Police for a comment.