Dry conditions lead to increase in wandering stock

Published on 27 March 2019

Livestock owners are urged to ensure animals are securely confined to their property following an increase in complaints about wandering livestock.

Since the start of summer, Council has received more than 110 complaints about wandering livestock, the highest level for the past three years.

Acting Director Assets and Operations, Anne-Louise Lindner said wandering stock posed a serious danger for drivers as well as the animals, especially on high speed rural roads and at night when visibility is poor.

“While in the majority of these complaints the stock was able to be contained before accidents have occurred, unfortunately on at least two occasions, traffic accidents have resulted,” Ms Lindner said.

Areas with the highest number of reports include Kyneton, Woodend, and Darraweit Guim, but Local Laws officers have responded to reports of wandering stock right across the shire.

Ms Lindner said that wandering livestock on roads was a serious safety issue.

“Dry summer conditions can be a challenging time for livestock owners, but owners still must ensure that their livestock are adequately confined and that there is enough feed and water on the property to sustain them,” she said. “Often the livestock break through fences in search of food. Fencing must be secure, regularly checked and well maintained.”

Under the Victorian Impounding of Livestock Act 1994 and Council’s Local Law No. 10, livestock trespassing on public or private land can be impounded by Council officers. Council officers can also impound livestock from land when the livestock are inadequately confined. Where livestock is trespassing on private land, the land owner can impound the animal and notify Council.

“When Council receives a report, officers will attempt to contact the owner of the livestock to retrieve the animals and to ensure the owner makes the necessary repairs to prevent livestock escaping again,” Mrs Lindner said.

Council works with professional stock contractors to safely impound and transport stock. Officers may ask that stock are secured to private property temporarily until contractors can attend.  

“Where livestock are wandering on roads, the first priority is to secure the stock to the nearest property to eliminate the risks to drivers and the stock,” Ms Lindner said.

When stock are impounded, fees apply to reclaim stock. Significant fines can also be issued. Wandering livestock can be reported to Council by calling (03) 5422 0333.