A U.S. Postal Service worker has been charged with animal cruelty following an incident in which he was seen on video beating a well-known white peacock in Pasadena, California. Charanjit Singh, a 48-year-old resident of Rosemead, was charged Thursday with a misdemeanor count of cruelty to animals, according to Los Angeles County court records. This marks the first time Singh has been publicly identified in connection with the incident, which occurred on August 18.

Footage from a local resident’s home security camera showed Singh throwing a rock at the bird and later hitting it with a club or stick near its head or neck. The peacock, known in the neighborhood as Sugar, had lived in the area for years and was recognized by residents for its distinctive white feathers and somewhat aggressive behavior toward men. Gina Davis, a Pasadena schoolteacher who reviewed the footage, described the bird’s prior interactions with local men, noting that Sugar had chased off her husband and a neighbor.

After the incident, the Pasadena Humane Society took custody of the bird and treated it at their Wildlife Center. Veterinarians found swelling but no fractures. About a week before the charges were filed, the Humane Society announced that Sugar had recovered sufficiently to be relocated to a private ranch in Northern California. The move was made with the bird’s long-term well-being in mind, aiming to minimize further negative encounters given the heightened public attention surrounding the case.

The U.S. Postal Service is conducting its own internal investigation but has not publicly commented on the matter. Singh could not be reached for comment. Animal services investigators continue to review the situation as Singh’s arraignment is scheduled for November 6.