Supporters defend noisy rooster

PARMA, N.Y., Aug. 18 (UPI) -- Supporters of a New York state rooster that earned its owners a noise citation told the Town Board the bird should be exempt from noise regulations.

Ruth and David Blodgett, owners of Blackie the Rooster, and their supporters told the Parma Town Board they believe the rooster should be exempt because the code does not cover farm and agricultural operations, the Rochester (N.Y.) Democrat and Chronicle reported Wednesday.

Ruth Blodgett said their property qualifies as a farm under the town code, which she said defines a farm as a property of more than 5 acres used to house animals. She said her property includes nearly 50 acres.

"The tax assessor has them taxed as a farm," said Mary Eichas-Gavigan, a supporter who referred to herself as Blackie's great-aunt. "If they're not a farm, then the assessor should change it."

Town Supervisor Pete McCann said the rooster was violating the noise ordinance under current interpretation of the law.

"The way we've interpreted the law at the current time, you are still in violation," he said.

McCann said officials will talk to town lawyers to determine if there is room to reinterpret the code.