Authorities to take a 'hard line' on owners of roaming livestock

The ongoing problem of loose and roaming horses and stock must stop say authorities as they prepare to prosecute irresponsible owners.

A co-ordinated approach to stop the ongoing injury and loss life on local roads and highways caused by wandering horses and livestock, has seen Taupo and Ruapehu District Councils’, Police and the NZ Transport Agency, join together to put a stop to this behaviour.

Group Manager Taupo District Council, Gareth Green says “A plan of action has been agreed upon that will see the agencies working closer together, and taking a ‘hard line’ to ensure public safety.”

“From now on, to ensure public safety, any horses or other stock found roaming or tethered near roads or highways will be impounded at the owners cost. If an unrestrained animal is not able to be captured and poses a threat to public safety through its actions, then that animal will be destroyed immediately.” He says owners who care about their animals need to take the situation seriously and be more responsible.

Detective Sergeant Neale Saunders of the Turangi Police said horses are frequently found grazing (either tethered or unrestrained) on firebreaks and road verges in the Taupo and Ruapehu Districts’. He says roaming horses and livestock have been responsible for many accidents over the years and Council and the police have tried to reason with owners but the problem has not gone away.

“As anyone who has been in this situation will tell you, these animals are a serious threat particularly on dark rural roads and highways. Accidents not only cause serious injury to the occupants of vehicles but leaves animals injured and in great pain.” He says the Police do not enjoy having to destroy horses or stock, however this is a serious road safety matter and therefore the safety of the public must always come first.

Sergeant McKenzie says if animals are not under control, and are involved in or cause a road accident, the Police may prosecute the owner of the animals with serious offences up to and including manslaughter.

Chairperson of the Taupo District Regulatory and Hearings Committee, Clr Don Ormsby said “Wandering stock has been on ongoing issue around the Taupo and Ruapehu District’s for as long as I can remember. Given the safety concerns, I am happy that all agencies responsible are working together to solve the problem.”

Mr Green said “I appeal to the owners of these animals to arrange safe grazing on private property which is securely fenced so ensure animals are not wandering onto roadways and causing hazards or accidents. This is the best way to avoid the distress of having roaming animals impounded or destroyed.”

Mr Green says horses and stock must not be within a road reserve and droving of stock is only allowed by permit. Stock should not be on a road unless being driven from one point to another and only under the control of responsible persons.

Any enquires regarding horses or stock on roads or highways please contact your local Council who will advise the appropriate authority.