Lose the Llamas

Regarding the llama issue, I attended the Simi Valley City Council meeting Feb. 6. There, we were treated to a parade of out-of-town llama owners who lectured us on the docility, cuddliness and lovableness of the llama and how well they get along with horses in Hidden Hills, Moorpark and elsewhere.

They have totally missed the point. Bridle Path, in particular, was set up and designed to promote horse ownership and riding among average people. Now that Mitch Pelter has been challenged on the llama issue and his 34 barnyard animals, he has attempted to define the issue as “pet lovers” versus “llama haters.”

Well, excuse me. When someone mentions pets, the picture of 34 barnyard animals does not leap into my mind. I view the llama issue as an opening salvo in a campaign to change the way we live here and validate code violations.

Why must I give up my right to force a neighbor to get rid of an objectionable farm animal? If the codes are not followed now, how much worse will it get when farm animals are made legal? Human nature being what it is, some people will take the maximum allowable animals and add “just a few more.”

My desire to have the legal power to live in peace and quiet is no less valid than someone else’s desire to own a farm animal. This is more like a residential neighborhood than a rural one, and I say if you want lots of barnyard animals or want to breed llamas as Mitch’s lawyer said he wanted to do, move to a rural area and don’t ruin a fine equestrian neighborhood.

KENNETH G. AHLBERG

Simi Valley

Library Appeal