'This sounds like a spite farm': Suburban family blindsided by neighbors putting up illegal petting zoo in backyard, forcing them to take legal action after crowds take over their pool as well

Author image for Blake Seidel
Blake Seidel • Managing Editor & Brand Manager
Jul 22, 2025 10:00 AM EDT

There's nothing better than waking up on a random Tuesday to the smell of unexpected goats in your backyard, animal fam. Since you can't hear us, we should inform you that we're being pawsitively sarcastic. There are many ways that you, as a neighbor, could get on our nerves, but one of the best ways to do so would be to set up an illegal petting zoo in your backyard that shares a border with ours. Honestly, we wouldn't mind the goats so much, but the hordes of people coming in at 7 AM on a Saturday morning would certainly do the trick.

You may think that this sound like something from fiction, but no, it's real, and it's happening to the family in the post below. Not only that, but the crowds are so rowdy and rambunctious that the family is worried that they might start jumping into their pool! Chickens and sheep we're fine with, but pool parties in our own backyard that we're not invited to… that's where we draw the line!

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  • 01

    Neighbor put in a petting zoo next door- is there anything I can do about it?

    Cheezburger Image 10532272896
    via kali9

    This image is for illustration only, and the subjects are models; the image does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 02
    Ok, so I'm posting on my best friend's behalf. They live outside of their city limits, on a secluded county road. They have a half acre of land with a house and their neighbor has a half acre of
    via Traditional-Weird-92
  • 03
    land with a house and a pole barn. The houses are pretty close in terms of proximity. There is no HOA. Neighbor started this business after friend purchased their house.
    via Traditional-Weird-92
  • 04
    Neighbor put in a petting zoo in their pole barn and is apparently renting the land behind friend's property, building structures, adding more and more animals, and having patrons surrounding 2 sides of friend's backyard. It's
    via Traditional-Weird-92
  • 05
    a pretty big backyard so putting in a privacy fence will be costly. There are regular crowds of people, some of which end up walking on friend's property.
    via Traditional-Weird-92

  • There must be something that the municipality can do - the petting zoo is illegal. They are operating a business without a license. They haven't done any sort of checks or inspections to make sure the animals are being treated appropriately. We think it's only a matter of time.

  • 06
    Friend has a pool on the side of the property neighboring this new petting zoo and patrons are parking right up next to/on the property line. So there are some concerns in that aspect as well.
    via Traditional-Weird-92
  • 07
    But, neighbors are operating a business without a license to do so, so there is also no regulation. Friend has reached out to the county commissioner and has confirmed this, but they
    via Traditional-Weird-92
  • 08
    Cheezburger Image 10532271360
    via pixelshot

    This image is for illustration only, and the subjects are models; the image does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 09
    aren't really giving my friend any information on what can/will be done about it. In the meantime, is there anything friend can do to petition against the neighbor running this business?
    via Traditional-Weird-92
  • 10
    Friend has no issues with the animals, friend has issues with safety, security, and no privacy due to the constant many patrons on neighbor's property from running a business.
    via Traditional-Weird-92

  • Nobody likes groups of strangers on their property, you just never know what could happen these days. People think they're entitled to do all sorts of things and hope to get away with it. You don't want to be on the receiving end of that.

  • 11
    jwhisen Depending on the types of animals that they have, the facility might fall under the purview of USDA Animal Care. They require permits and regular inspections. You can always check with them to make sure that the facility is properly permitted and following the correct procedures.
    via jwhisen
  • 12
    XROOR Search County code for SA or "Permissible uses" for your zoning. Most A Zones allow it but with "setbacks" that need to be followed.
    via XROOR
  • 13
    Atherial You should find out when the county board has their meeting and attend. Ask before if you can get on the agenda. Going in person has a greater chance of success than an email.
    via Atherial
  • 14
    Clean_Factor9673 The starting point is no trespassing signs. Save for a fence and add it. Get cars towed if they're on your property.
    via Clean_Factor9673
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    Cheezburger Image 10532271616
    via FamVeld

    This image is for illustration only, and the subjects are models; the image does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 16
    Call the sheriff if there are any disruptions such as traffic jams, loose animals or excess noise
    via Clean_Factor9673
  • 17
    PushThroughThePain Unfortunately, if they are not violating business or zoning regulations, their options are very limited. It's unlikely that a single.petitioner can get it shut down. A lawsuit might be possible, but the fees would
    via PushThroughThePain
  • 18
    likely be very high with no guarantee of a successful outcome. Other than that "good fences male good neighbors" might be the only mitigation here.
    via PushThroughThePain
  • 19
    No-Dress... Put up an unsightly barb wire fence, or call the cops every time someone sets foot on the property.
    via No-Dress-7645
  • 20
    cellblock2187 Also contact your county health department and see how strict their human waste guidelines are. Do they have porta-potties or an appropriately sized septic system? A visiting farm in my area was shut down because their waste facilities weren't good enough for the county's standards to keep human waste properly dealt with.
    via cellblock2187
  • 21
    [deleted] Not a lawyer but worked for a lawyer doing this type of stuff. Seriously hound the local municipality about it not being in compliance with local zoning bylaws - they will send someone out to view the zoo and will likely
    via Reddit
  • 22
    come away with a whole list of violations. There's a reason zoning bylaws were put in place, and your municipality has processes in place to enforce
    via Reddit
  • 23
    them. Your neighbours might apply for some form of exemption, make sure to attend the Council meeting and make your concerns heard. The more neighbours attend in opposition, the better.
    via Reddit
  • 24
    RichardAtRTS To be honest, this sounds like a spite farm. Did you have conflict with them before or after moving in? Did you beat them on bidding/buying the house?
    via RichardAtRTS

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petting zoo suburbs neighbors pool backyard family farm crowd illegal farm animals animals
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