Peacock lover arrested for assault
Bylaw officer allegedly grabbed while responding to complaints resident was feeding feral birds
A man has been arrested after a bylaw officer was assaulted as he attempted to fine the man for feeding a flock of feral peacocks that have been running wild in the Surrey neighbourhood of Sullivan Heights.
Complaints from residents that the man was feeding the peacocks brought city officials to his property at 150th and 62 Avenue on Monday evening. The individual allegedly assaulted the bylaw officer, who decided to call for police backup.
“He was definitely assaulted. He was grabbed, and (the assailant) was trying to hold him there,” said Surrey bylaw manager Jas Rehal, adding that officers have been to the man’s house at least five times.
“This is not the first time we’ve attended this property. The owner is well aware of what the rules are.”
The fine for feeding peacocks is $250.
A spokesperson for Surrey RCMP confirmed an investigation into the assault is underway. The man was released without charges and has not yet been formally fined. It is not clear if the man will face charges.
Residents have reported seeing the owner of the property keep peacock cages and feeding structures. City bylaws state that no person shall breed, possess or display in public a prohibited animal, which includes peafowls.
For years, there have been complaints about noise and damage caused by the birds. Last month, a resident was fined $1,000 for illegally cutting down a tree near his home after being “pushed to the edge” by the birds’ wailing and defecating. The tree was a roost for nearly 100 peacocks.
But it’s not all hate for the birds, explained Surrey resident Shawneen Esson.
“Half the neighbourhood loves these things and the other half hates them,” she said. “They were originally brought in by a farmer, now someone needs to step up and take responsibility. The city should bring in somebody professional to ... possibly relocate them.”
Surrey has yet to decide what to do with its growing peacock population, which falls into a grey area as they are not covered by the B.C. Conservation Officer Service.
Rehal said the city is will hold a public meeting about the birds in July, and is consulting municipalities in Hawaii and California, which have dealt with their own feral peacock problems in the past.
“You wonder if they’re getting fed what they’re supposed to (be eating).”