Volunteers who run a Dunfermline aviary where a peacock was killed have thanked locals for their support.
Thousands of pounds have been raised after the bird’s home in Pittencrieff Park was targeted on Monday night.
One bird was “horribly tortured and killed” in the break-in, according to those who look after the birds, with another injured.
An online fundraiser set up in the aftermath of the incident had collected nearly £7,000 by lunchtime on Wednesday.
A spokesman for the Peacocks in Pittencrieff Park group told The Courier that all money raised will be used for the peacocks and improving their home.
He said: “It’s heartbreaking. Malcolm – who was killed – was our 11-year-old peacock, the oldest of them all.
“Louis is thankfully in recovery but shocked, he is on medication and being cared for by our volunteers.
Rallying round ‘devastated’ volunteers
“Our intention now is just to rally round our volunteers to make sure they are looked after, they are devastated and this has obviously impacted them.
“We are devastated but the support has lifted the morale.”
Malcolm had been at the aviary for 11 years and volunteers describe him as a “character”.
The spokesman added: “He was very canny, always looking for food.
The charity still have vet bills and repairs needing to be completed as a result of this deplorable incident
Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP
“There’s a wonderful saying for peacocks, that they have ‘the feathers of an angel, the voice of the devil and the appetite of a thief’ and that would describe Malcolm.
“He was stunning, especially in breeding season when showing off to get a girlfriend.”
The aviary has about 18 peacocks in total, who all roam free.
Shirley-Anne Somerville, MSP for the area, has encouraged locals to support the fundraiser on Facebook.
She wrote: “You may have already heard the sad news that the peacock aviary in Pittencrieff Park was broken into on Monday night and one of the birds, Malcolm, was killed, while another, Louis, was left badly injured.
“Nothing can be done for poor Malcolm, but the charity still have vet bills and repairs needing to be completed as a result of this deplorable incident.
“I know times are tight for many but if you can, please donate to their fundraising appeal; it would be hugely appreciated by the volunteers who look after the peacocks.”
Police following positive line of inquiry
Police are now looking into the incident.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “At around 11.50pm on Monday, we received a report of animal cruelty following the death of a peacock within Pittencrieff Park, Dunfermline.
“A second peacock was also injured during the incident.
“Officers are following a positive line of inquiry.”
In 2020 dog owners were urged to keep their pets on a lead around the peacocks after a spate of incidents.
Later that year, one of the birds had to be put down after being hit by a car.
Peacocks have lived in The Glen since 1905 when the philanthropist Henry Beveridge returned to his hometown of Dunfermline from India, bringing with him the beautiful birds, which have had the freedom of the town ever since.
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