OJAI : Session to Focus on Animal Regulation

A public workshop will be held today on a proposed county ordinance that would regulate the number of animals, ranging from pigeons to buffalo, allowed on private land.

The ordinance, part of a large package of zoning amendments intended to streamline county policies, would replace an existing policy that allows an unlimited number of animals on parcels over 10 acres in agricultural areas.

Although the new rules cover a range of livestock, rodents, reptiles and birds, it is the section dealing with horses that has drawn controversy. Several ranchers in the Ojai area, including Jaime and Kay Skeeters, the owners of Ojai Valley Farms, have opposed the proposal. They say the rules are too restrictive for large ranches and horse-boarding operations.

Today’s workshop will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. in Room 344 of the Hall of Administration at the County Government Center.