Media Release - Wandering Livestock Causes Safety Concerns

Published on 19 July 2018

WANDERING LIVESTOCK CAUSES SAFETY CONCERN

Media Release

Gannawarra Shire Council is asking livestock owners to ensure their stock is well secured after a number of recent incidents involving animals on roads.

Director Infrastructure Development Geoff Rollinson said livestock on roads have the potential to cause serious accidents which could result in fatal consequences.

‘‘In the past month Council have had numerous call outs to cattle and sheep wandering across local roads, and unfortunately a number of those occasions have resulted in an accident,’’ Mr Rollinson said.

Mr Rollinson said farmers needed to ensure their animals had access to adequate food and to regularly check fences to ensure their stock is secure.

‘‘With a lack of pasture due to dry conditions and cold weather, stock will try to roam to find more food,’’ Mr Rollinson explained.

“Stock owners are reminded that they are responsible for the damage caused to life and property by their stock if they are not properly confined.”

It is an offence to keep livestock on any property that is not securely fenced.

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.