Livestock and Other Animals

Managing Wandering Livestock

Straying stock can occasionally cause concern in our rural areas, particularly when property owners are away for an extended period. Depending on where the animals are found, different resources are available to help manage the situation.

Stock Found on Public Roads

If you notice livestock wandering along a public road, our Compliance Officers can assist to ensure road safety.

  • Our Actions: Officers will work to safely return the stock to a secure area and can issue a fencing order if boundary repairs are required.
  • Business Hours Support: Please contact the main council office on 02 6724 2000.
  • After-Hours Assistance: For urgent issues outside of normal hours, you can reach our team on 0417 792 650.
Stock on Private Property

When livestock travel between neighbouring private properties, the matter falls outside of Council's jurisdiction.

  • Neighbourly Resolution: Issues involving stock moving between private lands are best discussed and resolved directly between the affected neighbours.
  • Civil Property Damage: If wandering stock cause damage to private property, it is considered a civil matter.
  • Council Resources: Council is unfortunately unable to allocate resources or staff to intervene in private property disputes or herd private livestock.
Straying Stock

Straying or unattended livestock can create safety risks for the community, animals and motorists. There are laws that set out what can be done when stock is found wandering or trespassing.

Stock found on public land

Under the Local Land Services Act 2013, livestock may be considered abandoned if they are left unattended on:

  • Public land
  • A travelling stock reserve
  • A public road

Council Rangers or Travelling Stock Reserve Rangers may take possession of abandoned or trespassing stock.

Fees apply to the release of impounded stock, and fines may also be issued.

Stock found on private property

If livestock stray onto your property, you can take possession of the animals.

If you know who owns the stock, you must notify the owner within 24 hours.

Straying stock should not be kept on your property for more than four days. After this time, the stock should be taken to the Council pound.

If the owner cannot be identified or contacted, arrangements should be made to transport the stock to the nearest public pound.

You may be able to recover reasonable costs associated with transporting and caring for the stock from the owner.

For further information about taking possession of straying stock, contact Council Rangers on 02 6724 2000.

Caring for straying stock

If you take possession of livestock on your property, you have a responsibility to provide appropriate food, water and care for the animals.

These responsibilities apply under the Public Spaces (Unattended Property) Act 2021 and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979.

You may be able to recover reasonable costs associated with caring for the stock from the owner.

Stock that appears unwell

Local Land Services shares responsibility for livestock health with the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

If you see livestock that appears sick, injured or otherwise in poor health, contact Local Land Services for advice.

For individual animal issues or other farm and companion animals, such as horses, house cows and pets, contact your local veterinarian.

 

 

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