Silent death in Bonnevoie: 90 birds poisoned, residents demand answers

Residents of the Bonnevoie neighbourhood in Luxembourg are alarmed: since the beginning of the year, dead or dying birds have been found almost daily in the local fields between Kaltreis and the Bonnevoie secondary school. So far, at least 90 cases of poisoning have been confirmed, mostly among pigeons and wild birds.

The animals were transferred to the Wildlife Centre, from where the bodies were sent for veterinary analysis. The results left no doubt: the birds had been poisoned with Alpha-Chloralose, a substance widely used as a rodenticide (rodent poison). This has been confirmed by the first laboratory analyses, further tests are in progress.

Most disturbingly, many of the birds did not die immediately, but suffered for long periods of time, unable to fly. Wildlife Centre spokesman Louis Kox reports that recovery of poisoned animals has been slow, which may indicate a higher dosage or modification of the poison.

Authorities have already warned residents: pets - especially dogs and cats - could also fall victim to the poison if they find or eat the bait. Although no cases of pet poisoning have been reported so far, the risk is considered high.

The problem is particularly acute due to the proximity to public areas where children often walk. The Caltrais neighbourhood and its surroundings are actively used for walking and playing - and now it is an area of potential danger.

Residents of Bonnvois claim that it all started a few weeks ago. Despite repeated appeals and transfers of the birds to the centre in Dudelange, official measures on the ground have been invisible so far. People are concerned not only about the fate of the animals, but also about the lack of a clear response from the authorities.

The organisation Give Us A Voice has already announced its intention to lodge a formal complaint against unidentified individuals. It remains unknown who exactly spread the poison - and for what purpose.

Representatives of the Nature Protection Administration already came to the place, but filming on the spot was prohibited. The administration of veterinary services refused to comment, referring to waiting for the final results of the analysis.

The Bonnevois incident is a public safety issue that could escalate into a criminal case. Residents expect an official response - not just in the form of warnings, but an investigation. And it may be just the first episode of a broader problem.