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11
Feb 2021
Last Updated: 10/02/2021
'Feral' peacocks causing damage in Killinghall
The parish council says the birds are damaging homes, gardens and vehicles, and people should "stop encouraging them" by giving them food. However, some residents have leaped to the defence of the "awesome birds".
Killinghall Parish Council has pleaded with locals to stop feeding peacocks that it says are "feral" and causing damage to the village.
A post on the council's Facebook page says the birds are damaging homes, gardens and vehicles, and people should "stop encouraging them" by giving them food.
It reads:
"Whilst these birds are beautiful to look at it must be emphasised that they are FERAL.
The parish council would be grateful if the birds were not to be encouraged, especially by leaving food out for them as they are causing damage to properties, gardens and vehicles in the village."
Peacocks are also known for their loud and distinctive squark, with many councils across the country receiving complaints from residents about the noise.
'I love to see them'
The majority of villagers on a Killinghall Facebook group have leaped to the defence of the "awesome birds", with one person saying they are "part of our village identity".
Another person said seeing the peacocks has a positive impact on their mental health:
"I think we are really blessed to have them in the village. I love to see them!".
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Peacocks are classed as peafowl and are a non-indigenous species that are not covered by any UK wildlife protection laws.
Known for their extravagant display feathers, the birds were believed to be introduced from India by the Romans.
There was a suggestion that the Killinghall peacocks could be relocated outside of the village, which was unpopular with one local who said the peacocks have lived in fields that have now being built on with housing.
"We have invaded their home, it would be wrong to relocate them now".
Another person conceded that the birds have caused scratches on the roof of their car "but that doesn't bother me" as the car is old anyway.
Harrogate's top peacock
A post on the RSPB's forum says a large part of a peacock's diet is grass, so there is no need to worry about their survival if they are not fed by humans.
The Killinghall birds rival Bilton's Peter the peacock for Harrogate's top peacock. Peter even has his own Facebook page with almost 500 followers.
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