News from all over - Patras

A legal battle is under way in this western Greek city over a parrot that is facing a $650 parking ticket. The local council says his perch is illegally parked and is obstructing drivers because it partially blocks a metered parking space.

With his multi-coloured Amazonian plumage and extrovert personality, Coco has, for 18 years, been something of a mascot in this busy port city, with narrow streets and precious few parking places.

His small perch occupies part of a metered zone and under the zero tolerance rules, the local police have ordered Mr Michalopoulos to pay a heavy fine.

The pet shop owner says he has ignored the authorities because if Coco goes back inside the store permanently the macaw will die because he is a sociable creature who enjoys being with people.

Patras's Deputy Mayor Spiros Demartinos is embarrassed that Coco's plight is attracting international attention. "Is it bureaucratic to be concerned about the parrot's safety?" he asks. "The parrot's security is of paramount concern to the council."
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