A man has been arrested and another is being sought by West Midlands Police after boxes of live mice were released into McDonald’s restaurants across Birmingham this week. Disturbing videos circulating on social media showed the rodents being released in branches in Star City, Perry Barr and Small Heath. The incidents are being treated as public nuisance offences and are described as “unacceptable” and “distressing” by the police. In one video, the mice had been dyed in the colours of the Palestinian flag.
A spokesperson for McDonald’s confirmed that both restaurants were temporarily closed for a full clean and visits from pest control officers. The police said that a number of warrants had been executed in efforts to arrest the other suspect, Billal Hussain, who is thought to be involved in the disturbing incidents. The force is also investigating a third incident, where a group of masked individuals is seen emptying a box of mice into a branch in Small Heath.
Meanwhile, the man who has been arrested over the apparent protests has been released pending further inquiries. West Midlands Police emphasised that such reckless behaviour had significant consequences, including putting public health at risk and endangering animal welfare. The public reaction to the incidents has been one of outrage, with many on social media calling for the perpetrators to be brought to justice quickly.
McDonald’s, which has faced protests and boycotts over its operations and supply chains in the past, has not commented on whether the incidents were linked to calls for a boycott of Israeli goods made by several Palestinian factions on social media this week. However, the police have not commented on any possible motive for the mouse protests
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