Carers for the Peacocks in Pittencrieff Park are appealing to the public to keep their dogs on a lead, with regular attacks on the iconic birds and even an attack on a squirrel recently reported.
Pleading with the public on social media, the team of volunteers reminded the public that the birds have been walking about the Glen for nearly 120 years and reminded them that the park’s rules mean that dogs must be kept on a lead while they are inside the designated area around the sanctuary.
Carlyn Cane, who is a member of the Peacocks in Pittencrieff Park (PiPP), told the Press: “People just don’t pay attention, they don’t care.
“It’s still a weekly occurrence.”
To help remind the public of the importance of keeping their dogs on a lead around these beloved birds, Fife Council have agreed to signage around the park.
Carlyn continued: “The wording of the signage was just agreed last week so we are hoping to get new signs that say you must keep your dog on a lead around the sanctuary area, under the park rules. We weren’t able to go for the bylaw.
“The dogs must be kept on a lead. It’s a small area that we are asking for because it’s still a weekly occurrence that this is happening.
“We constantly get ‘I didn’t know there was birds here’ which I get there will be people that come from outwith the area.”
Sadly, this has been an issue for quite some time.
Back in 2021, Xander, a two-year-old male Indian White peacock, flew into the pavilion building after the dog ran at it, injuring himself fatally.
And four years later, they’re still having the same problems.
Last year for example, a dog ran away from its owner and chased three peacocks, one of which went into shock and the other two disappeared for some time after the attack.
“We have had enough,” Carlyn continued.
“When you are there and [dogs chase the birds], the sounds they make, it goes to your soul.”
“In that situation, their fear is that the bird gets caught by the dog, they fly into something, or the bird gets into a panic and their heart gives out.”
It’s not just the peacocks that are at risk from out-of-control dogs, squirrels have also fallen victim.
One Press reader said: “Having recently witnessed the latest dog attack in Pittencrieff Park, this time an unleashed dog killing a squirrel, it’s time to change the rules in the Park by making it compulsory to have all dogs on leads at all times.
“This would stop the regular Peacock and Squirrel attacks, and significantly reduce the amount of dog mess that goes uncollected by irresponsible owners as there’s no excuse if you’re right next to it.
“It’s unfortunate that the irresponsible few spoil it for the majority of owners.
“I’m a dog lover myself, I own dogs, but I’m responsible.”
Fife Council’s Safer Communities team manager, Patricia Spacey, confirmed that there is existing signage in place with additional signs set to be put in the park.
She said: “We want everyone to enjoy and feel safe in the popular Pittencrieff Park and I’m sorry to hear about the latest incidents of dogs frightening the peacocks.
“Signage is already in the park about keeping dogs on the lead, and we have also shared other messages locally about being responsible with animals around the peacocks. We’re finalising the design of the additional signs and will install them around the west area of the park as soon as they’re ready.
“We continue to regularly carry out patrols in Pittencrieff Park to raise awareness with dog owners about the importance of keeping dogs on leads and ensuring they are well trained. We have also held ‘Take the Lead’ events in the park, encouraging responsible dog ownership.
“If you see a dog out of control, please contact Fife Council’s Dog Control Team by emailing safercommunities.team@fife.gov.uk or by phoning 03451 55 00 22. If a dog is dangerously out of control, please report it to the Police by calling 101.”
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community – a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation’s Editors’ Code of Practice. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion, then please contact the editor here. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here
© 2001-2025. Newsquest Media Group Ltd, 1st Floor, Chartist Tower, Upper Dock Street, Newport, Wales, NP20 1DW | 01676637 |
Data returned from the Piano ‘meterActive/meterExpired’ callback event.
As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our articles.
Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local services.
These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience – the local community.
It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times.
