A homeowners association in Laguna Hills, California, is suing Steve and Karen Blume, alleging they violated community rules by increasing the height of their backyard fence without prior approval. The Blumes stated the modifications were necessary to protect their livestock from repeated coyote attacks, which they claim resulted in the deaths of seven goats.
According to the lawsuit filed by the Nellie Gail Ranch HOA, the Blumes raised their fence beyond the community's six-foot height limit. Steve Blume acknowledged that he did not seek HOA approval before making the changes, citing the emergency situation after losing his animals. He first added mesh to increase the fence height to eight feet, and later modified it with a 45-degree angle at the top, making it approximately nine feet high. This final modification, he stated, successfully prevented coyotes from entering their property.
The Blumes also installed blinking lights, which proved ineffective. They argue that the HOA's proposed solutions would have cost thousands of dollars. The family expressed bewilderment that a nearby tennis court fence is permitted to stand 15 feet high to prevent tennis balls from rolling away, while their own barrier to protect livestock has become the subject of legal action.
In a statement, the HOA asserted that it attempted to reach a compromise before filing suit, claiming the Blumes refused to alter the fence or participate in mediation. The association is now seeking a court order for the family to comply with the six-foot fence restriction.
The dispute has sparked debate online, with discussions focusing on whether HOA regulations should supersede a homeowner's efforts to protect pets from predators. Some commenters suggested that homeowners agree to HOA rules upon moving into a community, while others questioned the fairness of the situation, particularly in light of the differing fence heights for residential and recreational structures.