A white peacock known as Sugar is recovering at a Pasadena Humane wildlife center after home security footage captured a U.S. Postal Service worker allegedly attacking the bird with a rock and a stick. Both Pasadena Humane and the Postal Service have opened investigations into the incident, and animal control says the mail carrier could face animal cruelty charges.
Security Footage Captures Attack on Neighborhood Peacock
A popular fixture in one California neighborhood is at the center of a postal investigation after a mail carrier was recorded on home security video striking the animal on Tuesday afternoon. Homeowner Gina Davis reviewed the footage, which appears to show a U.S. Postal Service worker hurl a rock at the white peacock that Pasadena residents call Sugar, hitting the bird at least twice, and then getting out of his truck to take what looks like a stick or club to strike it in the head or neck area until it thrashes on Mohawk Street. Details about what led up to the altercation were not immediately available.
Neighbors near the Arboretum say they’re used to seeing peacocks in their yards and streets, but that this particular peacock is a rare sight because it is all white. Residents describe the bird as a peaceful presence who has roamed the area for years and is widely known and fed.
The footage of the encounter left residents shaken. Watching the footage has been difficult for her family, and Davis said the video is heartbreaking to watch,
adding, We are very sad.
Pasadena Humane Wildlife Center Monitors Injured Bird
Following the incident, the wild peacock is now in the care of Pasadena Humane at its Wildlife Center after the animal shelter says it was attacked by the mail carrier. Veterinarians examined the bird, which seems to be communally owned,
and found minor wounds and swelling but no broken bones.
The bird’s prognosis is described as good, and he’ll be monitored for several days at the shelter. Davis said she doesn’t want the carrier fired but hopes he’s reassigned, noting her main focus is on Sugar’s future—whether he’ll return to the streets or be moved somewhere considered safer. I doubt they'll drop him back off in the neighborhood, but hopefully, he'll have a nice sanctuary or maybe he can go back to the Arboretum or something,
Davis said. We just want to know he's going to be taken care of.
Postal Service and Animal Control Launch Formal Investigations
Both Pasadena Humane animal control and the Postal Service have opened investigations and are seeking more video, asking anyone with information or videos to reach out. Kevin McManus said that all day the shelter has been canvassing the neighborhood, talking to neighbors, and looking at video, while working to identify the mail carrier.
A USPS spokesperson said that postal employees in the area have experienced previous encounters with peacocks, and the Postal Service has been working with Pasadena Humane regarding concerns involving the birds. The agency stated that it takes allegations of inappropriate conduct seriously and will take appropriate action, as warranted, consistent with Postal Service policies. According to the animal shelter, the mail carrier involved could face animal cruelty charges.
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