Compromise reached in debate over peacocks at Fox Hollow Housing Association

BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. -- A compromise was reached Monday night on what to do with hundreds of peacocks that some community members say have overrun their Boynton Beach neighborhood.

None will be euthanized and about half will be removed.

Weeks ago, the Fox Hollow Housing Association, representative of about 160 homes in Boynton Beach, ignited brief anger at the suggestion that all 400 estimated peacocks be removed and euthanized.

Survey responses were announced Monday at a jam-packed meeting. Thirty-seven residents were in favor of letting them stay, 33 voted for their removal.

"You can tell we live in a democracy," said HOA Chair Mac McLaughlin.

McLaughlin announced the compromise, to the applause of many of the attendees of a housing association meeting.

"We're even going to watch while they capture them, to make sure that they're not hurt," said McLaughlin.

The HOA said groups like the Humane Society reacted to media coverage of the debate and have stepped forward to offer homes for about 150 of the 400 peacocks.

"That's much better than killing them. If there's no other way, then that's the way to do it," said resident Lauren Galluscio.

The solution relieved some who say they moved here decades ago just because of the peacocks.

"I don't mind for them to take some, but don't take all of them. I love the peacocks," said Dot Cheatham, a Fox Hollow resident.

The HOA will spend the next week checking the credentials of all the groups who have offered to take them.

The hope is to begin the removal process next month.