Rowley's peacock stolen from Tobago farm

Tobago police investigating the alleged theft of a peacock from the private Tobago home of the Prime Minister have encountered a significant obstacle in prosecuting the suspects.

Earlier this year, while Dr Rowley was in Tobago, he was told someone had knocked down a peacock which roamed freely at his Mason Hall farm, then took away the bird.

Police later recovered the carcass and Rowley was called to identify it at an unspecified police station.

The matter has since been raised at the highest levels of the police service, with acting Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of intelligence Mc Donald Jacob taking an active role.

The case has also been referred to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for advice, since the relevant sections of the Summary Offence Act are not clear on whether someone can be charged for stealing the carcass of an animal from a public road.

Sources said the peacock was knocked down when the driver of a car tried to turn near the Prime Minister’s private farm.

It is alleged that someone living on the farm saw the accident and noted the vehicle’s number.

The police were called in and the suspects were detained and kept in custody as police tried to build a case for larceny and/or killing or wounding of a farm animal.

Sunday Newsday understands that Rowley identified the carcass and has been enquiring about the status of the investigation.

Rowley, a registered farmer, who rears sheep at his farm, made a public appeal during a recent visit there for more people to become involved in farming.

Praedial larceny is one the major issues affecting farmers in TT and they have often pleaded with the authorities to do more to protect their crops and livestock.

Sunday Newsday tried to contact the Prime Minister for comment through the deputy press secretary at his office, Abby Braithwaite, but there was no response on Saturday.

ACP in charge of the Tobago Division Vernon Roberts told Sunday Newsday he could not divulge any information on the investigation, as it could jeopardise the case.