By Victoria Stone-Meadows
A PEACOCK named Andrew that has been a resident of Cannons Creek for many years will be moved to a new location, after some human residents of the town have complained about him.
No-one seems to know where Andrew came from but many of the people in the town have grown fond of him and consider him a legitimate member of the Cannons Creek community.
However, Casey Council has received a number of complaints about Andrew in recent times and a local animal control business has been given the task of moving the bird out of the town.
Cannons Creek resident Debbie Damon said Andrew had been a great asset to the town and while he was popular among most of the locals, people had realised it was time for him to move on.
“I’m all for Andrew staying in the town but I’ve spoken to many people and they understand time is against Andrew and council says he has to go,” she said.
“As much as we have come to the realisation he has to go, some people will be upset.”
Ms Damon said the town had a community meeting about keeping Andrew in the town and while the majority of people voted to keep him, those that complained to the council had got their way.
“We had a residential meeting about two or three weeks ago and voted if Andrew should stay then behind everyone’s back, the ones who wanted him gone went to council and complained,” she said.
“They never bought up their issues at the meeting.”
The townspeople that wanted Andrew to stay even suggested buying a few hens for him but as peacocks are an introduced species, this arrangement could not go forward.
City of Casey CEO Mike Tyler said a number of complaints were received from residents in relation to the bird causing damage to property, eating pet food and distressing residents in Cannons Creek.
“Nigel’s Animal Rescue was aware of the issue and offered to re-locate the bird at no cost to council,” Mr Tyler said.
“As peacocks are not the responsibility of council, for the safety of the bird and the peace and harmony of the local community, council supported Nigel’s Animal Rescue to re-locate the bird to a more appropriate location.”
Nigel Williamson of Nigel’s Animal Rescue said Andrew was probably lonely, as he had no other peacocks or peahens to socialise with.
“A peacock is a social bird, they like to have other peacocks and peahens around them and normally have three or four females per male,” Me Williamson said.
“Andrew’s on his own and has no-one coming to him despite his loud mating calls.”
Mr Williamson has been researching animal sanctuaries in Pearcedale and Blind Bight so people can still visit Andrew once he has been relocated.
“I already have two places earmarked for him to go to, one has 30 peacocks and I think he will be very happy there.”
“I am still in discussions with the residents to figure out the best option for Andrew.”
Once Andrew is moved to his new home, the townspeople of Cannons Creek have said they are willing to help fund his new living arrangements.
“The Creek is willing to put in a fund and help him get his hens and whatever he needs at his new place,” Ms Damon said.
“Andrew doesn’t need the Taj Mahal of peacocks treatment, I’m sure he would be happy with a few hens at the property in Blind Bight where the Cannons Creek people can see him on Facebook and visit him and his wives and babies.”
“People think we are crazy and maybe we are but we are all very fond of this bird.”
As of Friday 21 October, Andrew the peacock had not been captured or re-located from Cannons Creek.
