Tenant sued over apartment fish farm

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NEW YORK, May 29 (UPI) -- A New York landlord is suing a tenant accused of causing water leaks and foul odors with a fish farm in his high-rise apartment.

Errol Brett, a lawyer for landlord Windsor Apts. Inc., said Christopher Toole, 47, violated his lease by running his non-profit operation, Society of Aquaponic Values and Education, from his apartment, the New York Post reported Tuesday.

The non-profit encourages city-dwellers to grow tilapia and other fish in their apartments and Brett said Toole leads by example, breeding fish illegally in his domicile. He said Toole sells the fish he breeds online.

"He's running a business out of his apartment," Brett said.

Neighbors said Toole's fish farming has caused water leaks, foul smells and obnoxious noises at all hours of the night.

Toole said he was unaware of the lawsuit and could not comment.

"Any publicity is good publicity," he said.