Concerns regarding roaming livestock

Published on 01 July 2019

Livestock owners are reminded to ensure their animals are secured on their properties following a recent increase in the number of reported incidents of wandering livestock.

Mayor Lorraine Learmonth said that Gannawarra Shire staff had tended to an increasing number of calls relating to wandering livestock over the past few weeks.

“Livestock on roads have the potential to cause serious accidents,” Mayor Learmonth said.

“The recent run of foggy and frosty mornings poses added dangers for motorists driving throughout the Gannawarra Shire without the risk of having to negotiate wayward livestock.”

It is an offence to keep livestock on any property which is not securely fenced. Stock owners are responsible for the damage caused to life and property by their stock if they are not properly confined.

“While some of the recent incidents Gannawarra Shire Council staff have tended to are a result of property gates being left open following spotlighting expeditions, most are due to the property owner or occupier failing to adequately maintain the fencing,” Mayor Learmonth said.

Stock owners can be fined up to $8,050 for allowing livestock to escape onto public roads.

For more information please call Council’s Local Laws Department on (03) 5450 9333.