What seemed like a story destined to end with the killing of the animal turned into a significant judicial victory for those who defend wildlife. The TAR of Friuli Venezia Giulia, with a decree signed on 8 June 2026, has in fact ordered the immediate suspension of the two ordinances issued by the Municipality of Pordenone which provided for the killing of the crow that has become famous for its behavior towards passers-by.
The decision comes after the appeal presented by LAV, which had contested the choice of the municipal administration considering it disproportionate and contrary to the protection of animals.
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What had happened
For weeks the crow had been at the center of the city’s attention. The animal had built its nest in a large tree in Via Damiani and, during the nesting period, would have adopted defensive attitudes towards those passing nearby.
Some residents had reported incidents of aggression, even with minor injuries, asking for intervention from the authorities. The Municipality, after various attempts to manage the situation, had decided to authorize the demolition, motivating the choice with public safety needs.
However, the decision had provoked a strong reaction from animal rights associations, convinced that the bird’s behavior was linked exclusively to the protection of its young, a reaction considered natural by experts. The crow simply reacted as any parent would do when faced with a possible threat to their young
LAV’s appeal and suspension of the ordinances
The first municipal ordinance had been challenged by LAV, but in the meantime the mayor had issued a second provision with similar contents. The association therefore extended the appeal to this new act as well, requesting its urgent suspension. The TAR accepted the request, blocking both orders with immediate effect. Consequently, the crow cannot be killed on the basis of the measures adopted so far.
The suspension of the ordinances does not definitively close the matter. However, for LAV this decision represents a victory for the protection of biodiversity and demonstrates that the response to conflicts with fauna does not necessarily have to result in the suppression of the animal. The association is now asking the Municipality to start a discussion with experts and associations to identify a bloodless solution, capable of protecting both the safety of citizens and the life of the crow and its offspring. Among the hypotheses already advanced include the temporary delimitation of the area, the use of dissuasive systems and more careful management of the nesting period, which is naturally destined to end with the fledging of the chicks.
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