Police urge keep stock fenced

Police in Waitematā North are urging landowners to ensure their fences are secure after a number of complaints about wandering stock.

In the past four weeks, police have received 36 complaints of wandering stock on the roads, ranging from a couple of miniature ponies to more than 30 cows on the loose. Areas of concern include Wellsford, Dairy Flat, Stillwater and Helensville.

Waitematā North area prevention manager Senior Sergeant Roger Small says one of the main causes for stock getting onto the roads is inadequate fencing.

“This time of the year sees the slowest grass growth and I suspect some farmers are getting short on grass, which will be contributing to animals pushing through fences to the long grass on roadsides,” he says.

“We are reminding farmers to keep road boundary fences in good condition and for landowners to be extra vigilant around stock management and supervision.”

Senior Sgt Small says with each incident there is the potential for serious injury if a motorist is involved.

“Police are very appreciative of motorists taking the time to notify authorities of potential risks and, in many cases, making efforts to usher stock back into paddocks before accidents occur.”

He says wandering stock pose a danger for road users, particularly at night when animals are hard to see.

“If a vehicle hits a large animal at speed, it could end in tragedy.

“To avoid this, it is important for land owners to ensure the integrity of their fences and farm gates, particularly in areas where stock are grazing paddocks next to roadside.”