Escaped peacock causes big stir in Offaly town

  A male peacock, which was wandering freely through the streets of Birr, has been returned to its owners.

  The sight of this magnificent, escaped bird caused quite a stir on Tuesday (May 28) as it flew down into Emmet Square in the centre of the town and began strutting around outside the Post Office.

  The bird had flown a couple of hundred yards from its home on John's Place (also known as John's Mall). Perhaps it had come to collect its mail? commented one onlooker.

  Staff in the Post Office contacted the Gardaí, who are stationed at the other end of the Square. A Garda spokesperson told The Midland Tribune that they had no difficulty in bringing the peacock to the Station. "Thankfully, the bird came quietly," commented the spokesperson. "Nobody was nipped. We were cautious, therefore we brought pepper spray and handcuffs just in case, but there was no need for them."

  Unfortunately, Habeas Corpus didn't apply in this case and the peacock faced a possibly indefinite stint in the station. Meanwhile, the Guards, who didn't know who the owners were, went onto social media and made an appeal for the owners to come forward and claim their pet. They only had to wait a few hours. The owners collected their pet in the evening, delighted to be reunited with the bird and thankful to the Gardaí for looking after him so well.

  A member of the public has informed the Tribune that this is not the first time the peacock has escaped from his home. It's possible that this desire to break free is because he is seeking a mate. Perhaps a peahen needs to be provided, and that might solve the problem.