Peacock killings: 2 more peafowl found dead in Palos Verdes

Two peafowl have been found dead in the Southern California coastal community of Palos Verdes where dozens of the birds have been killed or injured in the past two years. 

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles is asking for the public's help in finding the killer, who could face animal cruelty charges.

One peacock—a male—and one peahen—a female—were found shot dead Monday as a result of pellets. The incident has been linked to another fatal peafowl shooting from last July that occurred in the same Palos Verdes Peninsula area and also involved pellets, Lieutenant Cesar Perea, Director of animal protection services for SPCA LA, told KPCC.

A witness saw the July 2014 peafowl shooting, the last known incident in the area until Monday, and previously gave a description of the suspect, who was seen in a silver Mercedes Benz, said Perea.

About 54 peafowl—a gender-neutral term for the bids—have been killed in suspicious ways in the past two years, mostly in the Dapplegray community of Rolling Hills Estates.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if there were multiple suspects in that area because we were finding birds killed in different manners,” Perea said.

Some of the birds have died from arrows, blunt force trauma, and hit and runs in addition to pellets.

Perea’s theories as to why people have killed the birds include some residents being annoyed with their loud noises, walking on cars and causing other damage.

Anyone with information on a peafowl killing is urged to call the SPCA or LA County Sheriff’s Department.

“This is a violent crime,” said Perea. “It is serious. You could be charged with felony animal cruelty, which could carry up to 3 years in prison and up to a $20,000 fine.”