Leeton Shire Council Issues Safety Reminder for Livestock Owners

Published on 21 August 2024

Leeton Shire Council is reminding all livestock owners to ensure that their animals are securely contained following a number of recent incidents involving unattended livestock on public roads.

In June, Council’s rangers responded to four separate instances of livestock on roads, with three of these occurring at night. Fortunately, no accidents were reported during these instances. However, on 31 July and 1 August 2024, rangers were called to two separate collisions between vehicles and livestock on Irrigation Way, west of Leeton, within a 24-hour period.

The owner of the cattle involved in these incidents has been identified and issued penalty notices of $660.00 for each offence under the Public Spaces (Unattended Property) Act for "unattended livestock on roads."

Peter Skarlis, Regulatory Services Coordinator at Leeton Shire Council, expressed his concern over the potential dangers posed by unattended livestock.

"These incidents could have had tragic outcomes. We urge all livestock owners to regularly check and maintain their fencing to ensure their animals are safely contained. The safety of our community and road users depends on it," he said.

Under the Public Spaces (Unattended Property) Act, it is an offence to allow an animal under a person’s control to be unattended in a public place or on a road. Leeton Shire Council will continue to monitor and enforce this legislation to safeguard the community.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT:

Peter Skarlis
Regulatory Services Coordinator
T. (02) 6953 0911
E. peters@leeton.nsw.gov.au