Los Angeles County Regional Planning provided the following guidance regarding the protection of livestock and other domestic animals from predators:
The following guidelines clarify the criteria for what is routine repair and maintenance of an existing animal facility for the protection of livestock from predators, and what is considered new development, which is subject to a permit under the Santa Monica Mountains Local Coastal Plan. This policy applies only to properties that have existing, legally-established animal facilities in the Coastal Zone.
1. Routine repair and maintenance not subject to the LCP:
Affixing chicken wire or equivalent material to an existing animal enclosure is not considered development and therefore does not require a coastal development permit. Any other modification to an existing animal enclosure requires review for compliance with the LCP. Enclosures such as rings, shade structures, sheds, and barns are enclosures that may be repaired/maintained with chicken wire. Chicken wire or equivalent material shall not be affixed to wildlife permeable fences, such as split-rail fences.
2. A new animal facility structure is development and is subject to the LCP:
A new animal (non-horse only) containment facility can be approved with a Local Coastal Program Conformance Review (LCP- CR, fee: $490) if it meets the following criteria: ″Structure must be less than 120 square feet. ″Structure shall not increase the required fuel modification area. ″Structure shall be located in H3, at least 100 feet from a riparian habitat, and within/or immediately adjacent to an existing animal related facility. ″Structure shall be placed on the ground with stakes--no foundation, no further preparation of the site other than what is necessary to secure the enclosure in place such as with stakes or its equivalent.
Other tips for...
Livestock safety
Confine livestock such as sheep, goats, llamas, pigs, chickens, and other fowl in completely secured and covered enclosures, particularly at night.
Use properly trained livestock guard animals if you have a large yard in a relatively remote area.
Install an electric fence around areas where livestock or domestic animals are kept.
Pet safety
Keep dogs and cats indoors, especially after dusk and before dawn, to prevent them from becoming prey for mountain lions and other wild animals.
Keep pet food indoors. If you feed animals outside, gather up the food and water bowls and clean up spilled food so as not to attract wild animals.
Install a fully secure, roofed kennel if you must keep pets outside.
Encourage your neighbors to follow these simple precautions. Prevention is far better than a possible mountain lion encounter!
