Postal Worker Charged With Animal Cruelty After Beating of Sugar, the Pasadena White Peacock

Animal Cruelty Charge Filed in Pasadena White Peacock Case

Los Angeles County prosecutors have charged a 48-year-old postal worker with animal cruelty following an August incident in which a well-known white peacock, named Sugar, was beaten in a Pasadena neighborhood.

The Incident Involving Sugar, the Pasadena Peacock

Sugar, a rare white peacock that had become a local fixture in Pasadena, was found injured in the 3700 block of Mohawk Street in August. Surveillance footage from a resident’s home security system revealed that a U.S. Postal Service worker struck the bird with a rock, then later with a club or stick after Sugar reportedly followed him to his truck. Gina Davis, a local schoolteacher, described how the bird was observed standing in front of the mail carrier’s truck before being struck in the head or neck with an object.

Prosecutors Identify and Charge Postal Worker

Authorities and court records identified the suspect as Charanjit Singh, a Rosemead resident. Singh was charged Thursday with a misdemeanor count of cruelty to animals in connection with the August 18 incident. This is the first time the mail carrier has been publicly identified since the attack. He could not immediately be reached for comment. The U.S. Postal Service is currently investigating the matter but has not released a statement regarding the incident.

Community Reaction and Wildlife Protection Efforts

Sugar was well known among Pasadena residents for his years in the neighborhood and his notable disposition, particularly toward men. Local residents expressed outrage after viewing the footage of the animal assault. Davis, the resident who found Sugar injured, noted that her husband had named the peacock Sugar because of its color, not its personality, describing the bird as occasionally aggressive to males in the area.

Care and Relocation of Sugar

After the assault, the Pasadena Humane Society responded quickly, transporting Sugar to its Wildlife Center. Veterinarians found swelling but no broken bones. The nonprofit organization later announced that, after assessing Sugar's long-term well-being and considering the high level of public attention, the decision was made to relocate Sugar to a private ranch in Northern California. The Humane Society stated that relocation would provide a better quality of life for the peacock and reduce the risk of further negative encounters.

Ongoing Investigations and Legal Proceedings

The incident led to an official animal services investigation as well as ongoing inquiries by the USPS. Singh is scheduled to be arraigned on November 6. The case highlights the significance of animal protection efforts in local communities and the potential consequences of animal cruelty and assault.

Background on the Pasadena Peacock and Community Involvement

The white peacock had earned affection from residents and was commonly seen around the neighborhood for years. The animal injury and subsequent abuse, as documented on video, drew significant attention both from the community and animal protection advocates. The relocation of Sugar underscores the steps organizations like the Pasadena Humane Society take to ensure the safety of animals involved in highly publicized incidents.

Source: latimes.com.