Crisfield Peacocks Win Amnesty From Mayor

CRISFIELD, Md. (AP) -- Crisfield's mayor says he has forgiven three peacocks that have been pecking, pooping and scratching their way around the Eastern Shore town.

The Daily Times of Salisbury reports that Mayor Percy Purnell introduced a resolution at this week's City Council meeting granting a full pardon for minor offenses caused by the trio. The resolution says that despite the fact the animals have run "a-fowl of several minor city ordinances," they have nonetheless "won the hearts of the citizens of Crisfield and its surrounding environs."

Animal control officials say they have received complaints about scratched cars and children frightened while walking to school.

Attorney John Phoebus says he saw the group's male peacock trying to attack its reflection on the side of his car.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)