Last Updated on July 25, 2023 by Fumipets
Serangoon Gardens Peacock Owner Warned After Attacking 3-Year-Old Girl
A Shocking Incident in Serangoon Gardens: Peacock Attack Leaves Girl Injured
In a startling incident that shook the peaceful neighborhood of Serangoon Gardens, a three-year-old girl was viciously attacked by a pet peacock on November 28, 2021. The incident took place as the young girl was walking with her family along Tavistock Avenue and spotted a house with a peacock. Little did they know that this seemingly harmless encounter would turn into a terrifying ordeal.
According to eyewitnesses, the gate to the house where the peacock was kept was “wide open”, allowing the bird to wander inside the compound freely. When the curious little girl stood outside the gate to get a closer look, the peacock suddenly charged out, displaying aggressive behavior, and attacked the child.
Police Issue Stern Warning to the Peacock’s Owner
The aftermath of the attack led to a heated dispute between the girl’s family and the peacock’s owner, a 59-year-old man. In response to the incident, the police, in consultation with the Attorney-General’s Chambers, administered a stern warning to the man on July 3, 2023, holding him responsible for the negligence of his pet peacock.
In the wake of the incident, the peacock’s owner took responsibility for his pet’s actions and decided to part ways with the bird. Additionally, he also compensated the victim’s family, seeking to address the emotional and physical trauma caused by the attack.
Legal Implications and Previous Incidents
Singapore has laws in place that permit the keeping of up to 10 non-commercial poultry, including peacocks. However, this incident brought to light concerns about pet owners’ responsibility for their animals’ behavior and the safety of the community.
The victim’s family was not satisfied with the outcome, stating that the peacock’s owner had received prior warnings regarding his pet’s behavior. They provided authorities with evidence of other incidents involving multiple victims before their daughter fell victim to the aggressive peacock.
As a result of the attack, the girl had to undergo medical treatment, leaving her with three-centimeter stitches as a grim reminder of the incident. Sadly, the experience has left her with a deep-rooted fear of animals, causing her to be afraid of not just peacocks but also dogs, cats, and chickens.
Moving Forward: Seeking Closure and Healing
The victim’s mother expressed her disappointment with the outcome but hopes to close this chapter and move on. They had to resort to filing a civil suit against the peacock’s owner to cover their daughter’s medical expenses, underscoring the need for clearer regulations and guidelines on pet ownership.
The incident has served as a wake-up call for both pet owners and authorities to be more vigilant and responsible for ensuring public safety. It also highlights the importance of pet owners’ understanding of their animals’ behavior and the potential risks they may pose to others.
Conclusion
As Serangoon Gardens recovers from this shocking incident, it is essential for the community to come together and create awareness about responsible pet ownership. While Singapore’s laws allow for pet ownership, it is equally crucial for owners to prioritize their pets’ well-being and safety, as well as that of the community.
Let this incident be a reminder that empathy, vigilance, and responsible pet ownership can go a long way in preventing such unfortunate incidents in the future.
Source: Mothership.sg
