Community seeks justice, mourns loss of pet peacock

EAST GREENWICH, N.J. -- This peacock used to sit on porches, hang on decks, and perch atop cars of East Greenwich residents for a decade.

Whether they called him Popeye, Petey, or Kevin, the whole community saw him as their collective pet.

That was until earlier this week when it was found shot in the leg.

Veterinarians at Saint Francis Veterinary Center of South Jersey tried to save it, but the circumstances were deemed to unbearable and the peacock was euthanized.

The community has rallied together to bring justice to its beloved bird, raising over $2,000 on GoFundMe as a reward for information on the shooter.

"Someone shot this beautiful, amazing, wonderful friend of ours for no reason. The bullet shattered his leg, and our town raised over $1000 to help any vet bills, but his leg was so damaged it could not support the implants necessary to try and save him," it says on their GoFundMe page.

One resident recalls hearing two "pops" from Friendship Road going west on Cohawkin Road.

The East Greenwich Township Police Department is asking for information to be reported to their non-emergency number, (856) 423-4322. So far, multiple leads have been submitted and a detective has been assigned to the case. Questions regarding motive, location of the shooting, and technical ownership of the bird will determine whether or not the shot was made legally.

The "Peacock Hill Fountain" has been erected on one resident's property to honor the bird. Its remains will be buried there with a special memorial tribute.

Residents recommend those who encounter problems with wildlife to call authorities instead of taking matters into their own hands.

Additional photos and video were provided courtesy of Clarksboro and East Greenwich Township residents.