Petting zoo unpopular with neighbors

Sprague, Conn. (WTNH) - Some folks in Sprague say a petting zoo there is for the birds.

Hugh and Wendy Schnip have filed a lawsuit against the town and the couple who run the petting zoo. They're challenging the zoning which allowed the Foleys to open the Party Barn.

Noreen Foley says friends had asked to have their birthday party on her property so she decided to make a business of it complete with a petting zoo.

"We tried to go with different types of animals that the children don't experience everyday," she said.

There's two hedgehogs, a gold fish pond, a pot bellied pig, a goat and a pony, among other things. 

"They love it, they're always so excited the looks on their faces just makes the whole party," said Noreen's daughter, Shannon Foley.

The Schnips' lawsuit states concerns that the approval opens the door to a carnival like atmosphere and "will create objectionable noise, odor, vibrations, waste or unsightly conditions noticeable off the premises" which would violate home occupation regulations.

"It's always been a farm, we haven't changed anything. We have nothing that can cause vibrations. We have a moon bounce, we certainly don't have any roller coasters," Noreen said.

For now the birthday parties and the petting zoo will continue but the Foleys say some folks are afraid to book their birthday parties because of the lawsuit.