Can I call this a victory?

Here follows a Council press release -

New home for Chalkwell Park’s peacocks
 

Friday 23 February 2018

Chalkwell Park’s peacocks are to be rehoused to a 24-acre private estate.

The birds, which have been at the park for many years, will be rehomed this weekend.

Cllr Ann Holland, Executive Member for Culture, Tourism and The Economy, said: “I regularly receive correspondence from local people who feel their current accommodation at the park is not large enough.

“While we have had bird experts check the premises and confirm that the accommodation is ample for the birds, I have listened to local people’s feelings and accepted an offer for them to go to a private home where they will join other peafowl.

“While many people will be sad to see the peacocks go, we can all take comfort that they are moving to a bigger home where they will have plenty of room to spread their wings and roam freely.”

A blow for animal welfare in Southend-on-Sea

The Cabinet’s decision to deny my motion on freeing the Chalkwell Park Four (peafowl) is not just a disappointment to me; it is a bitter blow for all who champion animal rights in Southend-on-Sea. If they could but express an opinion I have no doubt that the peafowl would also express disgust with their continued incarceration.

The ruling Conservative administration justify their decision on the grounds that the peafowl have been bred in captivity; and yet I have not called for their release into the wild, only for a more suitable (and humane) home.

Further, the administration claim “they are regularly fed and watered, breeding and show no signs of distress and are in good health”. This is at variance with the reality of dead chick last summer, and obvious signs of neglect. Also, these magnificent birds are subject to torment by visitors and their pets. Being in such a small enclosure they are unable to avoid the attention of those who whether by accident or design find themselves teasing these birds.

It is a bad day for animal welfare in Southend-on-Sea. I cannot give up on this because cruelty will not just go away, it must be forced out. Attitudes must change in the Council chamber, and I hope that those who value animal welfare will consider very carefully when voting in May’s local elections.