DOG-WALKERS in Dunfermline are being urged to keep their pets on a lead in Pittencrieff Park to protect the iconic peacocks that make the Glen their home.

The call comes from MP for Dunfermline and West Fife Douglas Chapman after he visited volunteers at the peacock sanctuary.

He said some of the majestic birds have been seriously injured or even killed because they've been chased by dogs who were off the lead. 

The peacocks have been an attraction at the park for many years and have the freedom of Dunfermline. 

Mr Chapman said: “These are wild birds, so they cannot be expected to be kept in a cage all day, they need to be given the space to roam around the park – which they do.

“There are plenty of signs around the park warning dog-walkers to keep their dog on a lead and under control but it appears some people are still not doing so.

“These birds have been injured in the past by dogs and we cannot lose these birds as they are a great asset to Dunfermline and the park.

“I am not discouraging anyone from walking their dogs in the beautiful surroundings but asking them to be considerate of other wildlife that make the park their home.

“The volunteers who run the sanctuary for the peacocks do an incredible job in looking after them and I wouldn’t want all that to be undone by an irresponsible dog-walker.”

The peacock sanctuary has just benefited from a £2,250 grant to help to build better facilities for the birds. 

The sanctuary was formed to promote the welfare of the peacocks, educate visitors and encourage footfall into Pittencrieff Park, which has just been voted as Scotland's best park.