is it just me or do the animals actually only last a mere 2 mins then disapear ...whats the point is there a way to chance this so maybe i can use it in mayor mode and put them in fences???
Sorry for the late reply. I actually never use the Maxis animals because they always tend to run into the ocean or to other cities (and slow the game a lot). However there is a very nice download on the LEX that will let you plop animals. They will completely ignore the fences though, I'm not sure how to solve that 'problem'
Since I completely forgot who uploaded the file here's a small tutorial on how to make them yourself:
Open LE and edit any of the 1x1 files you want. Delete all the props and overlay textures on the original lot and search in the proplist for "effect_cows", "effect_farmhorses", "effect_pigeons", "effect_seagulls", "effect_pigeons" or "effect_llamas" for any animal you would like to plop. Place one of the 'effects' on your tile and then have a look at the base-texture and write down the name of the texture. Save the file under a name of your choice (don't forget to edit the foundation-threshold and Lot Max/Min elevation change if needed).
Then open the reader (you can download it from the LEX). Hit open, find the file you just created-> click on the filter button and use the refresh button on the pop-up. Now you will see the lot and all it's properties. Click on Examplar File (there are two, use the one with the Lotconfig**** in it) and find the LotConfig PropertyLotObjectData with value 0x00000002 (usually there's only one, if there are two: have a look at the name of the base texture you written down, that's the one you want) Select that one and use the right button of the mouse to 'delete property'. Then select any of the LotConfig's and use the right mouse button to click 'reindex lotconfig' and then save your file.
You then have a file that will allow you to plop cows/horses/seagulls/pigeons/lama's on a transparent texture base. It's something I use a lot for farms since where I live about 70% of the farms are horse/cow farms. Good luck! (if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask or PM)