SIMI VALLEY : Neighborhood’s Sole Llama Gets Reprieve

Fantasia, the lone llama in Simi Valley’s Bridle Path neighborhood, has been granted a brief reprieve.

After several hours of public discussion and panel debate, the Planning Commission late Wednesday night agreed to let the City Council decide whether to allow llamas in residential neighborhoods like Bridle Path, which are zoned only for horses and household pets.

The issue was raised after some residents complained that llamas spit, smell bad and frighten horses.

At the public hearing on Wednesday, some speakers warned that the city would have a hard time enforcing animal regulations. In addition to a llama here and there, many residents keep chickens, goats, pigs and other pets that are technically illegal.

“I would hate to see the city have to hire a chicken cop,” said resident Judith Noyes.

The planning commissioners emphasized the importance of homeowner associations setting and enforcing their own rules.

“The more you get the city involved, the less happy people are,” said Commissioner Bob Swoish.

Until the City Council acts on the issue--probably sometime in May--the panel endorsed what Commissioner Richard Kunz described as a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy on llamas and farm animals.