Woman accused of teaching bird cuss words

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WARWICK, R.I., Sept. 9 (UPI) -- A Rhode Island woman is facing charges for allegedly training her pet cockatoo to say curse words at her ex-husband and his girlfriend, who live next door.

Lynne Taylor is set to appear in Warwick Municipal Court next week to defend herself against allegations that she violated a city animal noise ordinance by training the bird, Willy, to swear at her neighbors, Kathleen Melker and Craig Fontaine, The Boston Herald reported.

"The statute reads if an individual is annoyed, that becomes a public nuisance. That is broad based on case law," said Taylor's lawyer, Stephen Peltier.

Peltier said his client denies the allegations and that the bird actually says, "knock it off," a phrase Fontaine taught it.

"The bird is reacting to its environment," added Peltier, who motioned to dismiss the case Thursday. "Melker is instigating the issue."

Melker said the bird's foul language as forced her and Fontaine to put their $332,000 home up for sale.

"We're done," Melker said. "We have no quality of life."

If Taylor is found guilty she will have to pay a $15 fine.