Concerns have been raised as dead birds have been spotted at beauty spots prompting fears of an "inhumane act".
The bodies of dead pigeons have been spotted in areas across Merseyside, including people's gardens and local parks, some of which have "gruesome and horrific injuries". But the reasoning behind the birds' deaths are unknown, with many fearing "cruel acts".
Bailey Higham, admin of the Liverpool, Merseyside Bird Rescue and Advice Facebook Page, said many reports have been coming in via the page of "multiple dead birds". However, concerns were raised after some were found "headless".
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She told the ECHO: "Around six months ago we had reports of dead seagulls over the water but then there's been nothing for a couple of months. Last week there were two cases in two different areas but the birds have died in a similar way, they are missing their heads.
"It's very odd, it's definitely a human act to me. It started off with birds in St Helens, Taylor Park. Wood pigeons and magpies missing their heads and there was a bin bag next to the bodies. And then a goose in Walton Hall Park yesterday (Sunday, October 2) had its head completely missing.
"It looks like a machete or knife to me, the head is completely gone from the body, the head of the goose is completely gone. There was a duck that had also died but I'm not sure if that was missing a head.
"I think it's disgusting, it breaks my heart. I don't understand how anyone could do that to a bird or any animal. It's definitely a human act to me. Just let animals be, let them live their life, they aren't bothering anyone.
"But if you do see anything suspicious or do see a bird hurt, contact us, we are always here to help. I know people see them as vermin but if they aren't bothering you just leave them be."
Bailey said the birds, although in different areas of Merseyside, are in very "similar situations". She added: "We think it’s a human act. Pigeons are immune from bird flu, there haven’t been any confirmed cases in pigeons.
"We believe it may be human acts how these birds are dying as a lot of people see them as vermin. The majority of flu cases are mainly detected in waterfowl birds and occasionally gulls. The birds that were sighted in the park had missing heads, wings etc."
Over in Halewood and in the South of Liverpool, concerns were also raised after dead pigeons were spotted in parks and gardens, with some suggesting it could be bird flu. However, Bailey said she has strong fears birds are deliberately being harmed.
She said: "I think it's more likely to be a human act. Pigeons are immune to bird flu. We are telling people now to call the police on the non emergency number just to report it. I just want people to be aware anywhere across the city.
"It's a continuous thing, it's happening in several places. If you see something suspicious don't be embarrassed to call someone up, just report it. A lot of people see birds as vermin so don't report it but sometimes it needs doing."
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