Foul play fears over missing peacock

Paul Dunlop
A LOVED pet peacock has gone missing – and residents fear foul play.
‘Henry’ is an icon around Barr Court and Meeking Drive, Pakenham, where the regal bird has lived happily for almost 15 years.
His disappearance a fortnight ago shocked residents who are afraid their neighbourhood mascot has been stolen, injured or even killed.
A few broken tail feathers are the only trace left of Henry, and neighbours believe they must have been snapped off in a struggle. They are convinced he would not have been taken by a fox or dog.
“There is no way he would have wandered off, there’s never been a problem with a fox or dog before,” resident Jodie Cremore said.
“Somebody must have taken him and his feathers would never come out like that on their own.”
Ms Cremore and neighbours Julie Smethurst, Bonnie Harris and Peter Harris have made a public plea for Henry to be returned safely to his home.
He has been one of the family for people living in the semirural residential properties nestled alongside the Toomuc Creek since he was brought there by a couple who looked after injured wildlife.
“When they moved away about four years ago, Henry stayed because they couldn’t catch him,” Ms Cremore said.
“He sleeps in the trees, we feed him and he is always around, he is quite tame. He’s accustomed to us but he doesn’t let people get too close.”
Residents have contacted police, local wildlife parks, veterinarian clinics and other authorities in a bid to track down their beloved bird.
“He’s like part of the family,” Mrs Smethurst said.
Mr Harris said he had seen a group of boys throwing stones at the peacock recently and they fear Henry might have been captured with a net or some other device and carried off.
Ms Cremore’s partner Regan found the broken tail feathers beside a track leading along the nearby train line.
Mrs Smethurst said it was completely out of character for Henry to wander away from his home.
“He is very territorial and doesn’t go too far away,” she said.
“Not many people have a peacock in their back garden and he makes a very distinctive noise. Hopefully somebody may have seen or heard something,” Mrs Smethurst said.
>>> Have you seen Henry? Anybody with any information can contact the Gazette on 5945 0666 or email editorstarnewsgroup.com.au