Woodside: Peacock complaints lead to lawsuit Woodside: Peacock complaints lead to lawsuit (September 01, 2004)

Peacocks may be beautiful, but they don't always make the best neighbors.

That's the reasoning behind a lawsuit filed August 26 by the town of Woodside against resident Ronald Mullin, whose peacocks, neighbors say, escape from his yard, eat landscaping and screech at all hours. One neighbor has said she's afraid to go into her own yard when the birds are present.

Nearby residents have made numerous complaints about the birds to the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office.

The town sought and received a temporary restraining order to compel Mr. Mullin to keep the peacocks "penned in and under control" so they can't trespass on other people's property, Town Manager Susan George said. The town is also seeking $5,000.

The case is scheduled to return to court in January for a case management conference.

Mr. Mullin could not be reached for comment.

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