WPRO Newsroom and the Associated Press
WARWICK, R.I. (AP) – Warwick officials have dropped their case against the owner of a foul-mouthed cockatoo that hurled expletives at a neighbor.
City resident Lynn Taylor was fined $15 last year for violating the local noise ordinance after the neighbor complained about the bird's profane rants. The neighbor lived with Taylor's ex-husband.
Police told WJAR-TV they recently dropped the case because of the cost of fighting Taylor's appeal of the fine. Officials say it was in the city's best interest not to use its resources to try to enforce a $15 citation.
Taylor appealed the fine to Providence Superior Court. Her lawyer said the noise ordinance is unconstitutional because it doesn't specify what constitutes a violation.
The local law prohibits residents from letting their pets habitually howl, bark or make other noises.
