Salem: 15 peacocks poisoned to death

SALEM: In just a week, as many as 15 peacocks were poisoned to death in Omalur in Salem district, triggering protests from the local people who sought to nurture the colourful bird of pride. In continuing incidents of bird deaths due to poisoning, two peacocks were found dead and eight others in serious condition at a farm on Thursday. Upset villagers sought the help of the police and Forest department personnel to nab the culprit to prevent any further deaths. They suspected the role of a poultry farmer in poisoning the birds. There are about 100 peacocks in Kukkankaradu and Mullaikaradu areas. For the convenience of the peacocks that frequent in search of fodder, the village panchayat has built a water tank to quench their thirst.

As the visiting peacocks were not harmed or chased away, the birds have made these locales their permanent homes. Their population also began to grow manifold in recent times. Meanwhile, a group of youths noticed two peacocks dead and six other birds struggling for life. They rushed the birds to the nearby veterinary hospital and again let them back in the farm after treatment. Despite treatment, the birds failed to recover and collapsed.