Tuesday, 10 December 2013 10:37

Wandering stock warning

Written by 

THE NZ TRANSPORT Agency and Police are reminding rural property owners particularly in Canterbury to ensure their properties are adequately fenced to contain their livestock.

The reminder comes after a number of reports of wandering stock on state highway road reserve in Canterbury in recent weeks.

The Transport Agency's highway manager Colin Knaggs says wandering stock poses a serious safety risk to all road users, not only on the state highway network but also local roads.

"When farm animals wander within the road reserve they are a significant hazard to those travelling through the area. Livestock owners are required to ensure their land is securely fenced to prevent animals from straying onto the highway."

Sergeant Graeme Crosson of the Hurunui Police says livestock owners are also reminded that they are liable for any damage caused by their wandering stock and if wandering stock cause a crash and negligence can be proven, the livestock owner may be prosecuted.

Livestock owners have responsibilities under three pieces of legislation - the Crimes Act 1961, the Animal Law Reform Act 1989 and the Impounding Act 1955.

"It is important property and livestock owners are aware of their responsibilities under the acts and take relevant measures to ensure their farm animals remain adequately fenced in."

More like this

Crashes with stock prompt fence check plea

WAIKATO POLICE are urging land owners to check the integrity of their fences and gates and motorists to ensure their vehicles are up to warrant of fitness standard following a number of crashes and near misses last week.

Featured

Big return on a small investment

Managing director of Woolover Ltd, David Brown, has put a lot of effort into verifying what seems intuitive, that keeping newborn stock's core temperature stable pays dividends by helping them realise their full genetic potential.

Editorial: Sensible move

OPINION: The Government's decision to rule out changes to Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) that would cost every farmer thousands of dollars annually, is sensible.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Overbearing?

OPINION: Dust ups between rural media and PR types aren't unheard of but also aren't common, given part of the…

Foot-in-mouth

OPINION: The Hound hears from his canine pals in Southland that an individual's derogatory remarks on social media have left…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter