Rooster Nuisance Prompts Icod Complaint

Sometimes, everyday life in towns and cities is disturbed by issues that might seem small but really affect how people live. This is happening in Icod de los Vinos, where a growing number of chickens and roosters in a central area has led to an official complaint from local residents. On February 3rd, the residents' association of a building on San Sebastián street formally complained to the Icod de los Vinos City Council, reporting constant noise and unhygienic conditions caused by the birds.

One resident, Rebeca Contreras González, is particularly affected. She says the constant crowing forces her to take sleeping pills. Her home is next to Avenida 25 de Abril, and even with her house sealed tightly, she can't block out the noise, which happens day and night. Beyond the noise, there's also worry about road safety. The birds often cross a busy road, which could cause accidents.

The main problem area is Avenida 25 de Abril, near the local courthouse. Here, about a dozen birds have been fed secretly for over a year, causing their numbers to grow. Rebeca Contreras González believes the population, which started with just one hen and her chicks, has now swelled to between fifteen and twenty birds, including at least four roosters close to her house. She also highlights a ravine next to the avenue that has turned into a rubbish dump. The birds scavenge for food there, making the area even more unsanitary.

Residents are also frustrated by the lack of action from the local council. Rebeca Contreras González says she spoke to the mayor of Icod de los Vinos, Javier Sierra (AI), in December 2024, but nothing has been done yet. This is despite the fact that Icod City Council has specific rules about noise and animal welfare and ownership. When asked about the issue yesterday, the City Council did not provide any comment. This situation shows the challenge local authorities face in balancing urban wildlife management with ensuring public health and peace for residents.