New Orleans neighborhood fights to keep roaming peacock

NEW ORLEANS, May 10 (UPI) -- A peacock that has been allowed to roam free in a New Orleans neighborhood for more than a decade has become the center of controversy after causing havoc during mating season.

While some neighbors claim that neighborhood fixture Mr. P has become a nuisance, damaging vehicles and other property, resident Lisa Palumbo has launched a Facebook campaign in support of the peacock.

"He showed up in our neighborhood after Katrina and has been a fixture here for over a decade," Palumbo wrote. "Everyone adores him except a very, very small few who reported him to the SPCA for pecking at his reflection in parked cars."

Some neighbors told WDSU that in addition to pecking at cars, Mr. P has also damaged gardens and can be heard crying out all throughout the day.

His behavior has resulted in at least one appearance by animal control, which ended when Mr. P managed to avoid six officers by flying onto a roof.

Palumbo told WHDH that she has noticed Mr. P's antics becoming a bit more disruptive, but she continues to defend the "unexpected neighbor."

"His behavior has been a bit different this year, but he's a good bird," she said.

She went on to contact New Orleans City Councilmember Susan Guidry, who pushed an ordinance to list the neighborhood as an animal sanctuary and called off efforts by animal control.

"This ordinance creates a 15th bird sanctuary in West Carrollton to provide those protections to the Carrollton peacocks and parrots, thereby preserving the unique charm and character of one of our city's many vibrant neighborhoods," Guidry said in a statement.