Madison County has a new ordinance requiring livestock owners to keep their animals out of the roadway.
In October, chief animal control officer Greg Cave said his office has continually dealt with repeat offenders regarding livestock in the roadway. He said one particular individual had livestock out five times within 38 days. Couple that with the property’s location on a curvy roadway and it creates a public safety concern, Cave said.
“I understand when you have livestock they’re going to get out, but when it’s everyday due to poor fencing and refusing to address the issue, it’s a problem,” he said.
County administrator Jonathon Weakley agreed, stating there are areas in the county where having livestock out creates a danger to motorists. He said dealing with the issue is also causing animal control officers to accrue overtime which is a cost to all residents. Cave said he’s basically a farmhand for the county, keeping fencing materials on-hand trying to solve issues.
“We’re really doing these folks a favor,” supervisor Jim Jewett said. “If a cow keeps getting out, [gets hit] and kills a family, they’ve got real problems.”
Cave said according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 65% of animal-involved crash deaths in 2022 resulted from a direct collision with an animal.
Board of supervisors chairman Clay Jackson said he knew of a Ford Focus that had collided with a bull. He said miraculously those in the vehicle survived. Jackson said it’s not unreasonable to penalize repeat offenders.
“Owning animals is a responsibility,” he said. “Keeping them away from roadways is good for all of us.”
No one spoke during a public hearing held Nov. 25 on the issue. The ordinance amendment was approved 5-0. As written, the ordinance, “Prevention of Animals Running at Large on Highways,” states it is unlawful for the owner or manager of any livestock to allow the animals to run at large upon public highways, regardless if enclosed by a fence. A violation is punishable by a civil fine of up to $100. Cave said the first offense would incur a verbal warning, the second a written warning and the third, the fine. Each additional offense within 90 days will also incur a $100 fine.
