Pasadena, Calif. – A video that quickly spread among local residents shows a United States Postal Service mail carrier assaulting Sugar, a white peacock that many in the neighborhood consider a familiar fixture. The incident, captured on Tuesday afternoon, has sparked strong reactions from neighbors who say the bird does not deserve such treatment.
What happened
According to witnesses, the mail carrier first sprayed the bird with water or another liquid, then picked up a rock and threw it at Sugar. Shortly after, the carrier approached the peacock with a stick or club and struck it repeatedly. The bird fell to the ground, flopped around, and appeared unable to move its wings. One resident, Gina Davis, said the peacock’s eye was swollen, suggesting a serious injury from the rock.
Community response
Neighbors expressed outrage and concern for the bird’s welfare. “I saw him get hit with the club, and it was horrible,” Davis said. Another resident, Adela Gaytan, acknowledged that Sugar can be aggressive, but emphasized that the animal is still a wild creature that should not be harmed: “He could be a little nasty, but he’s a peacock. He’s a wild animal. He just chases everybody around.”
Residents noted that Sugar has a history of chasing mail carriers, but they argue that the bird’s behavior does not justify violence. “There are times when we’ve seen him chase the mail carrier, and I understand, but you can’t just throw rocks and hit with sticks,” Davis added. “You have to figure out how to take care of that a little bit better.”
Investigation underway
The Pasadena Humane Society has opened an investigation into the incident and is evaluating Sugar for any injuries. The United States Postal Service confirmed that it is also looking into the matter, noting that several employees have had run‑ins with peacocks in the area, including a recent similar incident.
Local officials have not yet released details about any disciplinary action, but residents are urging the postal service to hold the carrier accountable and to ensure Sugar can safely return to the neighborhood.
What’s next for Sugar
After the attack, the carrier drove away, leaving the injured bird on the street. Davis expressed hope that Sugar will recover and be welcomed back home: “We love him a lot, and we hope he gets to come back to our neighborhood.” The outcome of the investigations will determine whether any further steps are taken to protect both the bird and the mail carriers who serve the area.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
