The case of the cussing cockatoo: Bird owner perched to appeal fine

(CBS/AP) WARWICK, R.I. - The owner of a foul-mouthed cockatoo whose saucy squawking led to a $15 fine for violating a noise ordinance is appealing the penalty.

A municipal judge ruled that Warwick, R.I. resident Lynne Taylor broke a local law that prohibits residents from letting their pets habitually howl, bark or make other noise.

!@#$%^&*!

The Providence Journal reports that Taylor is appealing to a state court. Taylor's lawyer says the ordinance is unconstitutional because it gives no parameters for what noise constitutes a violation. He notes the statute only says that if someone is annoyed, then it's a public nuisance.

For a little background... a neighbor accused Lynn Taylor of teaching her cockatoo to utter vulgar phrases, cursing and loudly speaking expletives.

Oh, and by the way, the neighbor lives with Taylor's ex-husband.

!@#$%^&*!

More on Crimesider
Sept. 10. 2012 - Cussing cockatoo at center of non-neighborly noise dispute in R.I.