Dunfermline peacocks: Call to keep dogs on leads in Pittencrieff

The volunteers who look after Dunfermline's iconic birds are hoping the higher profile can help persuade the powers-that-be to do more to protect them.

Two peacocks have died in recent times after being chased by dogs while others have gone into shock and fled the park.

Peacocks now have the freedom of the city, now the volunteers are hoping to keep them safe from dogs. (Image: Fife Council)

Lead peafowl warden Suzi Ross said: "That's the next campaign! What we want is just from the Glen Pavilion down to the bottom of the park, in this area dogs on leads.

"We've lost two birds already to dogs but we've also had kids getting knocked over, they're coming in here with bloody chins and knees because dogs are running into them.

"A few months back an old woman was knocked over by a dog and broke her wrist.

"That shouldn't be allowed to happen in a park like this, so that's what we want to do next. Get dogs on leads."

READ MORE: Reports of dogs chasing peacocks in Pittencrieff Park

The hope is that freedom of the city for the birds will also lead to freedom to roam in safety.

Fellow volunteer Carlyn Cane added: "We're hoping to maybe get some of the park rules changed so that the area around the aviary is dogs under control or on leads.

"The birds don't know that a dog just wants to play, if the dog is going to run past or even look at them, if a dog runs at them they automatically freak out.

"They just start running and flying into things and that's when they can be hurt or killed."

Volunteer Carlyn Cane helping to care for Louis. (Image: The Peacocks of Pittencrieff Park group)

She went on: "There are no bye-laws in the park, there are no specific rules, so it's really just asking people to keep an eye on their dogs and if they're unsure, to have them on a lead.

"If they've got good recall, there's no issue, but the incidents we've had here are generally dogs that have run away from their owners who are halfway across the park.

"That's what happened when a dog was going for Skylar recently. I shouted and no-one came for ages because the dog had got away from them.

"We know that can happen but Skylar could have been badly injured. As it was he went into shock.

"Two of the other birds got such a fright that they disappeared and we didn't find Roxy until the next afternoon."

READ MORE: Dunfermline peacock is killed after attack by off-lead dog

The dedication and care from the volunteers has helped build peafowl numbers in the park up to 21, with around half remaining in the sanctuary for now. Carlyn said: "Dogs are dogs and they're going to run around, we get that, but the park is big enough for absolutely everybody.

"It's only a very small area that we're asking for dogs to specifically be on leads or under control - maybe an acre and a half in a 76 acre park.

"There are 11 of them out in the park now so as long as we can raise awareness, and freedom of the city helps us do that, then it'll be better for the birds."

Councillor James Calder, convener of the City of Dunfermline area committee, said: "It's something we've had active discussions on recently with the Peacocks in Pittencrieff Park group, and obviously there have been some distressing incidents with certain dogs.

"Unfortunately it's not as easy as rule changes. You can put up signs saying that dogs should be on leads but without something behind that, it's not enforceable.

"I've asked officers if a bye-law could be put in place but am told that would be a lengthy process.

"My message to anyone walking their dog is to be responsible, especially around the area where the peacocks are kept and where little kids are playing too.

"The park is there to be enjoyed by everyone, whether that's dog walkers, people playing with their kids or peacocks.

"Common sense and respect for others will help."

Safer communities team manager, Tricia Spacey, said: “Pittencrieff Park is a large, city centre park with plenty of space for people, dogs and peacocks. We want everyone to enjoy and feel safe in the park.

“We regularly carry out patrols in Pittencrieff Park to raise awareness with dog owners.

"During the spring and summer, we held two ‘Take the Lead’ events in the park encouraging responsible dog ownership. We’ve also installed signage raising awareness of free roaming peacocks and asking dogs to be kept under control.

“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.”