David Hyland was naturally surprised earlier this week when a peacock showed up on his property just down the road from Furnace Falls.
The animal lover took the bird under his wing so to speak, offering it sanctuary and food.
He had some ideas of how the peafowl may have come to the Hwy. 503 area, but had no proof. It was a bit of a mystery.
Not sure whom to call, he reached out to The Highlander. We are far from bird or animal experts, but we do know animal welfare charities in the area.
Naturally, we thought of Woodlands Wildlife Sanctuary. However, they are licensed to rescue wild animals. From everything David was saying, and from what I could see when I visited the bird on his property, this peacock was tame. It appeared to be a domesticated animal. As such, WWS could not take it in.
They suggested some other avenues and David was left with a list of phone contacts.
Peacocks are allowed on agricultural properties in Ontario, but cannot be kept as pets. David conjectured this one may have been stolen and maybe plucked for its feathers.
Again, while no bird expert, I began to do some research. I discovered peacocks can molt, between February and August, so this bird may have dropped its feathers naturally.
But the real mystery was where had it come from? Were there any agricultural properties in the Furnace Falls area missing a peacock? There were Airbnbs in the area. Had someone brought it from elsewhere?
When we get animal-related calls in this area, it is sometimes difficult to figure out whom to contact. The local organizations, such as WWS and The Land Between-Turtle Guardians, are pretty responsive. We’re a long way away from the nearest OSPCA. Provincial ministries are not nearly as reactive as they once were. It can leave people such as David somewhat in the lurch.
We are also hearing from local animal welfare advocates that they have been beseeched since COVID-19’s winding down.
During the pandemic and lockdowns, people thought it would be a great idea to get a dog, cat, rabbit, guinea pig, snake, rat, you name it, for a pet to keep them company. Now, they’re dumping these animals at alarming rates.
A CBC report from last July documented how more people were surrendering their pets and animal shelters were pleading for help. It is a trend that is continuing. Organizations said people having to return to work, and the rising cost of living, were contributing to a crisis. A shortage of vets may also be causing issues. As a result, sadly, some have simply dumped their pets. Meanwhile, fosters are down, donations are down, and adoptions are down.
It’s tougher in rural areas. In places such as Toronto, for example, the Toronto Humane Society has an urgent care system. Owners experiencing a crisis or financial hardship can apply to the program, and their pet will be temporarily put in a foster home until the owner can take the pet back. They also have pet food banks.
But I digress. What we’d really like is for anyone local who may be missing a peacock to get in touch and we’ll connect them with David. If any animal welfare groups can help out, we’re also eager to make the connection.
