http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/local/states/california/peninsula/11568735.htmForget about crackers. Polly wants a new tail. Or make that, Mango wants a new tail. All 30 of the unlucky Moss Beach parrot's tail feathers were yanked out Monday during a drunken brawl, prosecutors say. The alleged bird abuser -- the man who police believe made Mango's bottom barren -- is 47-year-old Grady Powless.
Powless also allegedly hurled a barbecue and a flower pot at his two roommates, one of whom is a double amputee who uses a walker. Powless pleaded not guilty Tuesday in San Mateo County court to charges of assault with a deadly weapon, vandalism and maliciously injuring an animal. His attorney, Lisa Novak, declined to comment about the case because it had only recently been assigned to her.
Deputy District Attorney Sheryl Wolcott said Powless had been drinking Monday at home and is known for getting violent when he imbibes. It's still unclear exactly why he became upset, but the fight with the disabled roommate started inside and moved outside when Powless broke a car windshield, Wolcott said. Powless then threw a barbecue and a flower pot -- both of which police described as ``large'' -- at the roommate, Wolcott said.
When the second roommate, who was carrying Mango, tried to intervene, Powless allegedly threw the barbecue at him, then grabbed the parrot and started yanking out its tail feathers. Powless then tried to stomp Mango to death, prosecutors said. Mango survived thanks to the swift intervention of the roommates, who tackled Powless and ran away with the bird. The roommates were not seriously wounded. Wolcott said she hopes to get an update on the bird's condition soon. Powless remains in the county jail, and his bail was set at $100,000.
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