A zoo has been forced to destroy seven peacocks after a neighbour complained about the noise they made.

The birds were part of the Paignton Zoo’s flock of 100 peacocks, which are allowed to roam free in the grounds.

The seven birds that were killed had taken up residence on the edge of the zoo and occasionally strayed into neighbours’ gardens. They had made their roost beneath a large ash tree in the zoo’s grounds, which has also been cut down to stop others congregating there.

Staff at the zoo in Devon are deeply upset by the cull, which they say was forced on them after one neighbour made repeated complaints to Torbay Council.

Although some local people were pleased to see the birds, others complained that they were damaging their gardens and leaving mess everywhere.

Simon Tonge, the executive director of Paignton Zoo, said: “This is a nightmare for us. It has upset a lot of people and especially me, as I am in the business of keeping birds alive. I can understand people being upset when the birds are right under their windows. We tried moving the peacocks to the other side of the zoo, but they just made their way back.”

The birds were given lethal injections. The zoo had failed to find a new home for them because of the avian flu scare. Phil Knowling, a spokesman for the zoo, said: “One person made persistent complaints. Environmental health officials were very good about it, but said something had to be done. In May and June the peacocks grow their tails, become territorial and shout to high heaven, but it is just for six weeks of the year and the rest of the time they are silent. It is very sad that complaints from one person could lead to this. We tried and tried but the resident was insistent.”

Torbay Council said that it received complaints from two residents. A spokesman said: “We have been working with the zoo and the complainants to resolve this matter. However, we have been informed that the zoo has decided to take matters into their own hands and have implemented a cull.”

Not all the residents found the peacocks a nuisance. Susan Legassick said: “It is disgusting that they have been killed. They don’t do any harm to anyone, they are very friendly.”

But another resident said: “They make noise at first light and come into the gardens and leave their mess. If the zoo can’t control them then culling them is what they have to do.”

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