Italian towns confront worsening urban decay and pigeon infestations

Residents of Tolentino in the Marche region have warned that a massive pigeon population is contaminating streets, building facades and public spaces with droppings, creating health hazards for children, the elderly and tourists. They have called on the municipality to deploy additional measures such as netting and cleaning of Palazzo Tassoni and surrounding streets.

In the coastal district of Bassette near Ferrara, shop owners have reported that waste piles, abandoned vehicles and deteriorating roads have turned the area into an open-air dump. The lack of municipal action has led to unsafe conditions, illegal dumping and reduced access to basic services, prompting repeated complaints to local authorities that have gone unanswered.