Investigation Into Peacock Attack
Pasadena Humane Investigates USPS Carrier Over Attack on Beloved Neighborhood Peacock Named Sugar
Key Points
The bird is described as an all-white/all-white-albino peacock commonly known in the neighborhood as 'Sugar,' a longtime fixture that residents say interacts with people and even follows the mail carrier and others around.
Vet assessments reported several minor wounds with swelling but no broken bones, and veterinarians indicated the prognosis is good while Sugar is monitored over the coming days.
Pasadena Humane and Pasadena Animal Control have launched an active investigation, canvassing the neighborhood, reviewing video, and collecting witness accounts to identify the mail carrier; the agency is also seeking engagement with the USPS.
The peacock is described as a communal or widely known animal in the area, with neighbors noting Sugar’s friendly disposition and history in the neighborhood, including reports that he would follow people and even eat blackberries fed by residents.
USPS has acknowledged that employees in the area have previously encountered peacocks and stated that it takes allegations of inappropriate conduct seriously, with potential action if animal cruelty is found.
A white peacock named Sugar was attacked Tuesday afternoon by a United States Postal Service mail carrier on a Pasadena street, with video showing the worker allegedly throwing liquid, then a rock, and finally striking the bird with a stick as it lay injured LA Times. Sugar, a well-known neighborhood fixture described as friendly and tame, was found disoriented and unable to eat or drink. The peacock is now at the Pasadena Humane Society with non-life-threatening injuries and a good prognosis, while authorities investigate and search for the mail carrier ABC News.
A Neighborhood Bird Known for Following People
Sugar has roamed the Pasadena neighborhood for years as a beloved community pet. The all-white peacock was known to be friendly and approachable. Residents said Sugar would follow people around and even eat blackberries from their hands NewsNation Now. No one in the neighborhood considered the bird aggressive or dangerous.
On August 18, the mail carrier encountered Sugar on Mohawk Street. According to video footage obtained by local news, the worker threw liquid at the bird first. When that did not work, the carrier picked up a rock and threw it ABC News. Finally, the worker struck Sugar multiple times with a stick or club as the bird lay on the ground.
Veterinarians Report Sugar's Injuries Are Not Serious
When Sugar was found, the peacock could not move and appeared confused. Pasadena Humane Society veterinarians examined the bird and found several minor wounds and swelling LA Times. The good news: doctors found no broken bones. Vets said Sugar should make a full recovery with proper monitoring and care.
Investigators Search for the Mail Carrier's Identity
Pasadena Animal Control launched an active investigation immediately after the incident. Officers canvassed the neighborhood and collected witness statements ABC News. They also gathered video footage from home security cameras to identify the mail carrier involved. The Pasadena Humane Society has been coordinating with local authorities and the USPS.
The United States Postal Service stated that it takes allegations of inappropriate conduct seriously LA Times. USPS confirmed that mail carriers in the area have encountered peacocks before. If animal cruelty charges are filed and proven, the worker could face legal consequences. Neighbors demanded accountability and answers about why the worker attacked an animal residents cared for.
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