Peacocks Have Rights in Hawaii

The latest outrage in Hawaii involves a lady who was tired of a peacock squawking all day and night near the condominiums she owns. She decided to put an end to her misery by taking a baseball bat and hitting it over the head. The animal rights activists are up in arms and she has lost her first battle in court, as it was indicated by the judge that the peacock had rights too.

This incident took place on the Big Island on the Waianae Coast where peacocks roam all over the beautiful valley. Some would argue that they add to the beauty and magical scenery. However, light sleepers and those that are tired of the mating calls sometimes take matters into their own hands, literally.

The latest incident has put the offender in the hot seat with a charge of second-degree cruelty to animals. She indicated that she had sought help from the local authorities but to no avail. If convicted she could end up in jail for a year and pay a hefty fine. The lady explained that she didn’t see any difference in killing a peacock or a coqui frog. Lately she is seen with a large white hat and brings the brim down to hide her guilty face (oh wait, the trial is not over yet). When interviewed, the lady said :"If it's crazy, it's because the birds have driven me cuckoo."

Native Hawaiians are appalled by the action because they value the peacocks in the area and are used to them being there. The peacocks have been in Hawaii much longer than the alleged peacock hater. They were originally brought in to be pets of the royal family of Hawaii and other prominent people in the history of Hawaii. The former owner of the valley reported that the peacocks were a gift to her family from Kamehameha V.

Even though I am not a native Hawaiian, I have always loved peacocks and treasure them because of their elegance and beautiful feathers. I also put up with a little dog every day and night that lives close by but wouldn’t think of taking a bat and hitting it over the head.

On a recent trip to Scotland, I loved watching the peacocks who would wander around at the palaces and castles. We also have peacocks in Waimea Valley not far from where I live and I really enjoy watching them.

Although I do not keep pets, I think they all have spirits and should be respected. Too bad the turkey is not as beautiful as the peacocks! So there you have it – which side are you on, the ladies or the peacocks?