Maurice the Rooster may have frustrated his summertime neighbours with his morning crows. But when they sued the noisy cockerel, the verdict symbolized a deep respect for both Maurice and France’s rural values.
Corrine Fesseau, the rooster’s owner, was taken to court by a couple who own a vacation home in Fesseau’s hometown, Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron. The retired Jean-Louis and Joelle Biron, expecting to change country life to suit their needs, were surprised to see the tables turn when they were charged EUR 1,000 to cover damage costs for Fesseau.
The court hearing represented the clash of urban versus rural life, including the struggle of countryside residents being overwhelmed by urbanites buying properties in their towns, and flooding their community during vacation seasons.
The French were not happy that Maurice was sued for being his natural self. 140,000 people signed a “Save Maurice” petition to emphasize their discontentment of having a couple on vacation demand a change in the rural way of life to complement their personal comfort.
“Maurice has won a battle for the whole of France,” said Fesseau to Reuters.
