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29
Jun 2021
'We want him home': Bilton bids to bring back Peter the Peacock
Residents in Bilton are considering launching a campaign to bring Peter the Peacock back from exile in Lancashire.
Peter has wandered around the Harrogate suburb for years and is part of the community. Facebook and Twitter accounts have been set up about him.
But Bilton resident Claire Hamer said yesterday an RSPCA inspector had told her the enigmatic bird had injured his foot and the charity had taken him to an animal sanctuary in Lancashire to recuperate.
According to Ms Hamer, when Peter is back on his feet he will be re-homed and will not be returning to Bilton.
The Stray Ferret has asked the RSPCA whether it is treating Peter but has not yet had a response.
Ben Rothery, who set up the Bilton Community Group Facebook page, told the Stray Ferret he was considering rallying residents behind a campaign to return Peter to the streets around Tennyson Avenue.
It could involve the community adopting Peter if it can persuade the RSPCA he's well looked after.
He said:
Read more:
- Has Peter the Peacock left Bilton for good?
- Up to nine cars vandalised in minutes on same Bilton street
Andrew Hart, who owns Bilton's Red Box card shop and post office, said "everybody is talking about Peter" this week.
Mr Hart said the RSCPA had taken Peter away previously a few weeks ago and returned him, so he saw no reason why he couldn't come back again.
He suspects there may have been a complaint to the charity from someone in Bilton who does not like Peter.
Mr Hart is considering setting up a petition to put pressure on the RSPCA and may even ask Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones to back a campaign.
He said:
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