Birds die after found with Christmas decorations around neck and wings

WARNING – DISTRESSING CONTENT: There has been a spike in injuries and deaths to birds in New Zealand after dozens were found entangled in Christmas decorations.

About 30 birds have been spotted attached to paraphernalia including tinsel and ribbons in Wellington, with the decorations restricting their ability to fly, eat and drink as well as cutting off their blood circulation around their wings and necks.

While initial reports first came in 2015, there was a surge in calls from the public over the Christmas period, the SPCA in New Zealand announced.

“Often the birds that come to us are dead due to the extent of their injuries,” an SPCA spokesperson told Yahoo News.

“Those that do survive and arrive at our centre are often in a very bad state, and are so malnourished and distressed that we have had to humanely euthanise them.”

Authorities believe the birds are deliberately being decorated, with SPCA Wellington asking for the public’s assistance for further information regarding the discoveries.

A breakthrough in the case was made on Wednesday after seven decorated pigeons were found at a property in Wellington.

SPCA Wellington said the birds were brought to hospital in a “distressed but healthy condition” and that their investigations are ongoing, and urged for anyone with information to get in touch.

The SPCA spokesperson said it was vital all birds were tracked down after their attempts to remove the decorations with their feet or beaks was only worsening their condition.