A west suburban man who had more than 350 live and 120 dead birds inside his home was charged with a misdemeanor on Tuesday.
David Skeberdis, 57, of the 200 block of Shadybrook Lane in Aurora, was charged Monday night with misdemeanor companion animal hoarding, according to Aurora police. A companion animal hoarder is a person in possession of "a large number of companion animals" who fails to provide sufficient care for them.
If convicted, Skeberdis faces up to six months in jail, 24 months probation and $1,500 in fines, a statement from police said. He also could be ordered to undergo psychological evaluation and may be forbidden from possessing animals in the future.
The investigation began Oct. 17 when an exterior painting contractor working on the home saw numerous dead birds and live, uncaged birds flying inside.
A contractor removed 359 live and 120 dead birds from the home on Oct. 26, and the live animals were given to the Greater Chicago Cage Bird Club.
The investigation found bird food, feces and garbage throughout the house, the statement said. The house had mold counts indicating potential hazards and the property was deemed a nuisance, unfit for human habitation.
The city had planned to re-inspect the home Nov. 2, but received a letter from Skeberdis' lawyer saying he would not cooperate.
Skeberdis is scheduled to appear in DuPage County Court at 9 a.m. on Dec. 2.
Monday, February 25 2013 1:41 PM EST2013-02-25 18:41:37 GMT
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Tuesday, February 5 2013 3:09 PM EST2013-02-05 20:09:54 GMT
Millions and millions of people tuned in to watch the Super Bowl, and including our friends serving overseas. Thousands of Chicago-style pizzas were sent overseas Tuesday.
Millions and millions of people tuned in to watch the Super Bowl, and including our friends serving overseas. Thousands of Chicago-style pizzas were sent overseas Tuesday.
Friday, May 24 2013 5:40 PM EDT2013-05-24 21:40:48 GMT
Several military families were honored in Orland Park on Friday, and got to meet country music superstar Tim McGraw. Five of those families are from the Chicago area, and they were excited to meet him.
Several military families were honored in Orland Park on Friday, and got to meet country music superstar Tim McGraw. Five of those families are from the Chicago area, and they were excited to meet him.
Jacqueline Goldberg, 87, lost her $6 million lawsuit against Donald Trump on Thursday. Goldberg's attorney, Shelly Kulwin, spoke with FOX 32 News about the verdict in the Chicago condo trial.
Jacqueline Goldberg, 87, lost her $6 million lawsuit against Donald Trump on Thursday. Goldberg's attorney, Shelly Kulwin, spoke with FOX 32 News about the verdict in the Chicago condo trial.
Friday, May 24 2013 12:58 PM EDT2013-05-24 16:58:00 GMT
CTA Ventra payment card holders who use the card's controversial debit features won't be charged for talking to public transit customer service operators or using the cards for cash ATM withdrawals.
CTA Ventra payment card holders who use the card's controversial debit features won't be charged for talking to public transit customer service operators or using the cards for cash ATM withdrawals.
Friday, May 24 2013 12:51 PM EDT2013-05-24 16:51:23 GMT
Hawthorne Scholastic Academy Principal Nate Petrini spent the night on the roof of his school after losing a bet with his students. He challenged his students to a read-a-thon, and they answered the call.
Hawthorne Scholastic Academy Principal Nate Petrini spent the night on the roof of his school after losing a bet with his students. He challenged his students to a read-a-thon, and they answered the call.
