Peacock is mauled by dog off lead
‘MAJESTIC’ BIRD WILL BE MISSED BY VISITORS TO NEWSTEAD ABBEY
A ‘majestic’ peacock that lived at Newstead Abbey has been mauled by a dog which was not on a lead.
Arthur the peacock was introduced to the Abbey 10 years ago and was ‘cherished’ by visitors to the estate.
Arthur Parkinson, 28, who introduced the peacocks to Newstead Abbey during his time as an apprentice, said: “We reintroduced Arthur and Abbey ten years ago. Since then there has been a good population of peacocks at the Abbey.
“Someone was walking their dog off the lead and Arthur was attacked. He was badly injured and rushed to the vet but he was put down as the wounds were so traumatic.
“It is very sad, there is a disregard and lack of respect from the owner. There are signs everywhere telling people to keep their dogs on the lead.
“What’s really shocking is the person with the dog walked away rather than trying to find anyone.”
Arthur, a writer and gardener who was raised in Hucknall but is now based in Gloucestershire, said the peacock, who was named after him, was “very tame”.
He said: “He would stand outside the gift shop, all the staff liked him.
“It is a magical thing for children and visitors to see, it is unique. There’s a massive amount of love for them at the Abbey.”
Arthur said since he introduced the two birds to the abbey, several peachicks have hatched and now there is a flock of around a dozen of the birds.
Arthur added: “We just want to get the word out there as this is a sad thing which should be avoided.
“The message is keep your dog on a lead, simple as.”
Nottingham City Council confirmed the incident happened at 7.30am on Sunday and that peacock Arthur, who had lived at Newstead since birth, was eight years old.
Peacocks were first introduced by the Wildman family to Newstead Abbey more than 200 years ago and they are much loved by visitors and staff. Lord Byron was also an admirer of exotic animals and kept peacocks as pets during his time in Italy.
Newstead Abbey Site Manager Mick Smurthwaite said: “Newstead Abbey & Park is home to a wonderful array of wildlife, including our most famous residents, the peacocks. Sadly, one of our much-loved peacocks, Arthur, was attacked by a dog off the lead at the weekend.
“Unfortunately, after being assessed by a local vet, he had to be put down because of the extent of his injuries. Arthur will be sadly missed by us all.
“This serves as a stark reminder of the importance of keeping dogs on leads when visiting the Park for the safety of our wildlife and visitors. We are working with the RSPCA to appeal for any information about this incident.”