Dunfermline peacock is killed after attack by off-lead dog in Pittencrieff Park

Xander, who was a two-year-old male Indian White peacock, flew into the pavilion building after the dog ran at it, injuring himself fatally.

The incident has been reported to the police, who are investigating.

Joe Gilmartin, chair of the Peacocks in Pittencrieff Park (PiPP) group, told the Press: "I'm told that a lady was walking with her dog and had a young child with her.

"The dog apparently came off the lead and chased the bird. Xander flew in a panic into the building and we think he's probably broken his neck.

"It's really upsetting and it's heartbreaking for our volunteers.

"I'm told that that the lady was devastated but when this happens most people are, they need to understand there are consequences to dogs being off-lead.

"People need to be more vigilant and I feel something needs to be done to stop this happening again, whether it's a fine etc."

Xander joined the PiPP muster in 2019 with his sister, Katie, when there was one successful hatch named Louis.

The two white chicks were brought in to keep Louis company and are all the same age.

All three have been very close since – but Katie and Xander have been described as being "inseparable".

"We called them the three amigos!" Joe explained.

"But everywhere Xander went, Katie was, they're never away from each other's side," Joe explained.

"So we're a bit worried about Katie and the volunteers are in distress.

"Males start breading at three-years-old so we were looking forward to having his chicks next year.

"He was going to be a spectacular male.

"It's very clear that you should keep your dog on a lead. We even have new signs up and the Press has done great job at getting the message out.

"It feels like we're back to day one."

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We received a report that a peacock had been killed by a dog within Pittencrieff Park, Dunfermline, at around 9.45am on Tuesday, 31 August, 2021. Inquiries are ongoing."