Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA) is asking for the public’s help in providing any information that will lead to the arrest of the suspect responsible for killing a peacock in the Palos Verdes Peninsula area.
An eyewitness reported that on July 9, at approximately 8:20 p.m., a silver four-door Mercedes-Benz stopped at the 27000 block of Eastvale Road in Palos Verdes Peninsula. From the driver’s seat, the suspect fired from an unknown type pellet gun striking a peacock that was standing in a driveway. The peacock collapsed and died from the injuries.
The suspect is described as a male, white, 50 to 60 years of age, wearing a white colored shirt and “Aviator” style sunglasses. Anyone with information about this crime is urged to contact the Director of spcaLA Animal Protection Services, Lieutenant Cesar Perea at (323) 730-5300 x272. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call the spcaLA Animal Cruelty Tipline at 1-800-540 SPCA (7722). Tipsters may also report online at www.spcala.com.
Since June 2012, there have been 52 peafowl found dead or injured in Rolling Hills Estates, prompting an investigation by spcaLA Humane Officers. Consequences of taking malicious action against any wild or domesticated animal – including peacocks and peahens – can include felony animal cruelty charges, the conviction of which can lead to imprisonment for up to three years, $20,000 in fines, both, and additional consequences.
Some of the peafowl deaths were found to be accidental – involving birds unintentionally struck by passing vehicles. However, spcaLA’s investigation found a certain number were intentionally killed by BB/pellet guns or rifles, crossbows, and slingshots (marble ammunition). spcaLA incorporated in 1877 to enforce California’s first animal cruelty statute. Today, spcaLA continues to investigate animal cruelty and prosecute offenders pursuant to California Penal Code Section 597.