THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 2008

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Couple Told They Can No Longer Feed Local Birds

A Prospect Hts. couple was told earlier this month by a Cook County judge they are no longer allowed to feed their birds after their neighbor complained that feeding the birds is a health hazard.

Richard and Halina Rogulski of 102 Patricia Ln. said they are very much into animals, birds specifically.

"We live in a wooded area and we have numerous bird feeders and we have fed the birds countless times over the 37 years we have lived here," said Richard Rogulski. "We have never had any problems with other people complaining until recently when a cranky couple that live next to us started to garden and complain that wild animals were coming in their yard because of the bird feeders."

Rogulski was referring to John and Alice Gornick of 806 Rose Ave.

According to Rogulski, Alice Gornick "freaked out" when wild animals crossed her yard.

"They have lived there for approximately 20 years and this all started a couple years ago when they decided to begin gardening," said Rogulski. "This is a violation of my basic rights and my lawyer has said this is unconstitutional."

Rogulski paid a $100 fine back in November for violating the city ordinance.

Rogulski said he and his wife will attempt to fill the bird feeders once again next February.

Attempts by the Journal to contact the Gornicks were unsuccessful.