Hundreds of birds have been found dead in the streets of Rome after a fireworks display.
The animals, mostly starlings which roosted nearby, can be seen in video footage lying in the road.
It is not clear exactly how they died, but the International Organisation for the Protection of Animals (OIPA) said it was likely that loud firecrackers and fireworks set off for the New Year had been the cause.
Loredana Diglio, a spokeswoman for the organisation, said: ‘It can be that they died from fear.
‘They can fly up together and knock against each other, or hit windows or electric power lines.
‘Let’s not forget they can also die of heart attacks.’
She noted that fireworks displays each year cause distress and injury to both wild and domestic animals.
The birds were seen in the streets around the Italian capital’s main train station.
This year the city of Rome had banned personal fireworks displays, although this was widely ignored. A 10 p.m. curfew due to virus restrictions has also been imposed.
The Italian branch of OIPA has called for a ban on selling firecrackers and fireworks for personal use, citing the threat to animals.
The RSPB say that there is little evidence to suggest that fireworks harm wild birds.
They said: ‘Available information suggests that the effect of firework displays on birds is little different from that of a thunderstorm.’
But they added: ‘Setting off fireworks close to nesting and roosting birds can cause disturbance.
‘To minimise any adverse impact of fireworks on birds, we urge organisers of firework displays to avoid launching the rockets near to sensitive wildlife areas, such as nature reserves, and nesting and roosting sites for wild birds.’
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