Burbank bird man pleads not guilty

A 59-year-old Burbank business owner pleaded not guilty Friday to creating a nuisance and potential danger for aircraft at Bob Hope Airport by feeding hundreds of pigeons near the runway.

Charles Douglas appeared in the Los Angeles County Superior Courtroom in Burbank with attorneys Bruce Kaufman and Donald Ingalls to answer to the misdemeanor charges of disobeying a court order and creating a public nuisance.

He and his attorneys declined to comment about the case, which was continued to Oct. 21 for a pretrial hearing.

Douglas, a Glendale resident, has long battled with police and city officials over feeding a growing flock of pigeons at his business, which is near the airport.

Police say feeding the pigeons at his business, Precise Roofing Company, on Hollywood Way and Tulare Avenue, has created a major safety hazard for airplanes using the airport.

The rate of bird strikes had been increasing due to the influx of birds, police said, prompting Douglas’ arrest in August.

The swarm of birds caused a Southwest Airlines flight in July to be diverted to Ontario International Airport, officials said.

Douglas was found guilty in December 2010 and February for creating a nuisance by feeding the birds.

Police cited Douglas again in July for feeding pigeons.

If Douglas is convicted of one of the charges, city attorneys said he faces six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.