Animal welfare group wants to stop peacock killings in L.A.

ROLLING HILLS ESTATES, Calif. -- A Los Angeles animal welfare group wants to track down some killers... of peacocks.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (spcaLA) says more than 40 peacocks and peahens have been killed in Rolling Hills Estates since 2012.

Some were shot with pellets or BBs, run over or poisoned. One was hit with a crossbow bolt.

Two birds found dead last month may have been killed with buckshot. No suspects have been reported at this time, but the spcaLA has asked anyone with knowledge about the deaths to come forward.

Peafowl roam free in the southern Los Angeles suburb. They're known for their gorgeous tail feathers -- and for their droppings and loud, annoying squawks.

However, intentionally killing them is illegal, potentially leading to felony charges of animal cruelty.