Farmer Arrested After Over 50 Peacocks Die from Poisoning in Tamil Nadu

Chennai, October 26, 2025: A shocking incident unfolded in the Meenakshipuram village of Tamil Nadu’s Tenkasi district when over 50 peacocks tragically died after consuming poison placed by a local farmer. The poison, mixed with food materials, was intended to safeguard crops from damage caused by wildlife, but the unintended consequence led to the death of these national birds.

The Incident:

Janson, a farmer from Meenakshipuram, had been growing maize on his one-acre land. As the crops neared harvest, various animals, including wild boars, birds, and particularly peacocks, started raiding the fields, damaging the crops. Desperate to protect his livelihood, Janson resorted to a dangerous method of placing rat poison mixed with food around the fields, believing it would deter the animals.

However, instead of deterring the wildlife, the peacocks consumed the poisoned food. Within hours, the birds collapsed, lifeless, near the maize fields. Shocked by the sight of dozens of dead peacocks, the forest officials, along with the local police, were alerted and rushed to the scene.

Authorities’ Response:

Upon reaching the site, forest department officials, assisted by veterinary experts, collected the carcasses of the dead peacocks. They confirmed that the birds had died due to poisoning. The authorities seized the carcasses and conducted post-mortem examinations, which confirmed that the cause of death was indeed poisoning from the chemicals mixed in the food.

Farmer’s Arrest:

The death of over 50 peacocks raised a storm in the region, as these birds are considered national symbols of India. Given that the poisoning involved a protected species, the farmer, Janson, was arrested by the police for violating wildlife protection laws. The forest officials stated that such reckless acts of using poison to protect crops endanger not only the local fauna but also have severe legal consequences.

Legal and Environmental Impact:

This incident has sparked a debate on the balance between protecting crops and the welfare of wildlife. While farmers face challenges in safeguarding their crops from pests and wild animals, such extreme measures can have devastating impacts on the environment. The forest officials have urged farmers to adopt humane and legal methods for crop protection, rather than resorting to hazardous chemicals that can harm both wildlife and the ecosystem.

The tragic deaths of the peacocks have not only brought attention to the issue of crop protection but also highlighted the importance of sustainable farming practices and the need for awareness about wildlife conservation.

Conclusion:

This incident serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of using toxic substances in agriculture. While it’s understandable that farmers want to protect their crops, it is crucial to remember that such actions can have far-reaching and devastating effects on the environment and wildlife. The authorities have vowed to take stern action against such violations and are advocating for awareness campaigns to educate farmers about safe and sustainable farming practices. The case has left the local community shaken, and many are calling for stricter regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future.

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