A new clutch of peacocks in Dunfermline could be placed at risk by irresponsible dog owners.
The town is preparing for some new feathered friends after a resident peahen began laying eggs.
The bird, which lives in Pittencrieff Park, has got volunteers on “egg-watch” as they prepare to welcome the new arrivals in the coming months.
It will be the first time chicks have been present in the park for years, following the death of 20-year-old icon Clive and another peahen in 2017.
But fears have been raised that irresponsible pet owners could have a negative impact on the newly-hatched youngsters – with off-the-lead dogs attacking the birds.
Central Dunfermline councillor Garry Haldane, who previously worked as a postman that was attacked 17 times by out-of-control dogs, has called for owners to be more responsible.
He said: “It causes a big problem when dogs are off the lead and they should be controlled at all times.
“It’s not just for the benefit of the peacocks, new initiatives such as the Play for All playpark and Cycle Without Age will make the Glen busier.
“We want dogs to be a part of our society, but owners need to be responsible if we want peacocks to be here in the future.”
Suzi Ross, who leads a team of volunteers that look after the birds, said: “We don’t want the park to be a dog free zone, but we are asking that they are kept on leads and there’s a bit of consideration.
“I have been buzzing all week. It’s really exciting but it will be hard work trying to keep them alive, but we hope to have a few chicks that will do well.
“They’re absolutely great animals and I find myself going there pretty much every day because I really enjoy being around them.
“I took over in September and they were a bit scruffy but they’re looking a lot better now.”
Suzi and a team from Fife Council spruced up the roost, making it cleaner and warmer for the peafowl.
She added: “It’ll be the first time the park has had chicks for years.
“However, they take quite a bit of time and money, so we’ll be fundraising, and all the money will go straight towards the upkeep of the birds.”
The first egg was laid on April 24 and Central Dunfermline Community Council, who have worked tirelessly to bring peacocks back to the Glen, shared the exciting news.
The iconic birds, who have the ‘Freedom of the City’, were first introduced by philanthropist Henry Beveridge in 1905 when he brought several birds back from India.
