Dunfermline’s peacocks have resided in Pittencrieff Park since 1905 when philanthropist Henry Beveridge gifted the park its first birds.

Since then the birds have become symbolic of the city and as previously reported in the Press, were even given Freedom of the City recently.

In recent days there have been reports of dogs chasing peacocks in the Glen, and even reports of owners encouraging their dogs to go after the beloved birds.

It has raised the question: Should dogs be kept on a lead when in the park?

As it currently stands, park rules state that dogs should be kept under control and there is signage in the park from volunteers asking for dogs to be kept on leads.

Dunfermline Press: There are signs in the park asking people to keep their dog on a lead.There are signs in the park asking people to keep their dog on a lead. (Image: Chloe Goodall)

Speaking previously to the Press, Carlyn Cane, a volunteer with the peacocks, said: “We’re all animal lovers and want the dogs and peacocks to both enjoy being in the park. We’re not looking for dogs to be banned or kept on leads the entire time they’re in the park.

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“The glen is a massive draw for dog walkers, families, and visitors. At 76 acres, there is more than enough space for everyone to enjoy.

“We are kindly requesting dog owners put them on a short lead within a very small area. This area is along the front of the pavilion and on the path down to, and surrounding, the aviary building.”

We put the question to our readers on both Instagram and Facebook; should dogs be kept on a lead in the park?

On our Instagram poll, 64 per cent of respondents said yes, 13 per cent said no, 3 per cent said they were not sure and 20 per cent of respondents said dogs should be kept on a lead only in some areas of the park.

On Facebook, over 280 people responded to our post asking for your thoughts on the issue and there was a mix of opinions on the topic.

Ruth Dawson said: “I’ve had more issues with off lead, uncontrolled dogs approaching my on-lead dog than I’ve ever seen issues with the poor birds. People need some common sense. Near the peacock enclosure dogs should be on lead.

“If you see another dog on a lead anywhere in the park you should do the same and recall your dog. It’s straightforward but people just have no respect for other users of the Glen.”

Cameron Ross Turk added: “As somebody who works at the sanctuary in the Glen we are only asking for dog owners to keep their dogs on a lead in the area around the sanctuary and Pavillion which is surely not a lot to ask and ain’t difficult. I’m all for dogs being let off the lead to burn energy as they need to every now and then but there are plenty of places in the Glen to do that other than in and around the sanctuary.

“There’s no need for dog owners to be so arrogant and irresponsible but the pure arrogance and irresponsibility of some owners who don’t care and even worse some owners who encourage their dogs to chase the peacocks should not be tolerated. I remember pretty well in the 90s as a kid peacocks venturing around the Glen with no problem and no issues of dogs chasing them nearly 100 per cent of the time.”

Vicky Francis posted: “Yes. I’m a dog owner but no longer go the park as I have a problem with energetic dogs running up to my dog (who is elderly and kept on a lead) She’s friendly with other dogs but it makes me nervous when off-lead dogs approach us and the owners are too far away to have any control. A fenced off dog area is a great idea.”

Not everyone thought that dogs should be kept on a lead in the park.

Ally Keith said: “No…My dog behaves off the lead…I’ve seen some kids in the Glen that should be on leads they are worse than animals.”

“No. The key point here is dogs need to be under control. If your dog can’t be relied upon then absolutely keep it on a lead but that’s no reason to penalise everyone.” Added Gwen Mackie.

Neil Munro posted: “No. Many people had dogs which they walked in the glen prior to the recent breeding programme which saw an increased number of peacocks. Dog walkers are in the glen morning noon and night 365 days of the year whatever the weather!

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“There is room for both if the peacocks are looked after and managed responsibly. Dog owners also have to be responsible, that goes without saying but let’s both be responsible.”

Last week, volunteers with the peacocks met Fife Council officers to discuss the issue.

Tricia Spacey, safety communications team manager, said: "This is a large park with enough space for both dogs and peacocks to enjoy. We recently met with the volunteers to talk about how we can work together to make sure that people know to keep their dogs under control near the aviary building but also appreciate the stress and panic that roaming dogs can cause the peacocks.

“We know that in most cases the dogs are friendly, and won't harm the birds, but the peacocks don't. We're appealing to park visitors to consider our beautiful pride of peacocks when in the vicinity of their shelter and will be stepping up patrols to help raise awareness and deal with any incidents."