STRAY LIVESTOCK ON ROADS INFORMATION FOR COMPLAINANTS
Stray Livestock on Roads
Livestock are considered animals that are raised in an agriculture setting. Stray livestock is defined as livestock that are roaming or grazing on a road or within a road reserve and are not under the control of any person. Livestock is defined as:
• cattle,
• horses,
• sheep,
• goats,
• donkeys,
• mules.
All other animals outside of this definition are defined as wildlife. Isaac Regional Council does have some roads are not fenced and thus livestock will roam onto these roads. These areas should be identified with signage outlining that the road is unfenced.
By law, all livestock must be securely enclosed on a property. Council has no jurisdiction or the ability to retain stray livestock. All stray livestock is the responsibility of the owner or permit holder.
WHAT TO DO?
• Take photos of ear tags
• Take photos of brand
• Take note of date and time
• Take note of colour e.g grey, brown, spotted, white
• Take note of breed e.g Braham, Longhorn, Charalois, Angus
Who to call?
• Try to remember the amount of livestock
• Take note of the road name
• Look for closest landmark e.g 5kms East of Lords Table
• Calculate the distance for closest town/community
• Emergency – Contact the Qld Police Service on Triple Zero 000
• Non-emergency - Contact Police Link on 131 444
What to do if it is injured or deceased?
• Contact Police Link on 131 444.
• It is the responsibility of the owner/s or permit holder to attend to the injured or deceased livestock.
• All deceased livestock must be removed from the road reserve.
Who do I call if they are stray from a Livestock truck rollover?
• Contact the Qld Police Services on Triple Zero 000
Who do I call if I have hit or someone else has hit stray livestock?
• Contact the Qld Police Services on Triple Zero 000
What not to do?
• At no time attempt to pat, move or catch them.
• Never attempt to catch any young livestock as the mothers may become agitated and will chase you.
What do I do if I see Droving Livestock?
Livestock that are under the control of a drover have right of way on all Qld Roads, so you should slow down and proceed with caution. These livestock are moving to graze and are accompanied with adults and children on horses and working dogs. As a driver you are responsible for the welfare and safety of all the people, livestock and animals that are moving along the road.
It’s taking too long to get through to Police link, who do I call?
You may contact council on 1300 ISAACS and they will log the hazard into Guardian.
What do I do if the stray livestock is on my land?
You will need to attempt to locate the owner or permit holder. Council has no jurisdiction or the ability to retain stray livestock that has strayed onto your property.
How do I identify the owner or permit holder?
• The owner if you are aware of the livestock details can be identified by contacting DAFF.
• To identify a permit holder the Land’s Protection Officer at Isaac Regional Council can assist with the details.
What do I do if the livestock are stray due to a natural disaster?
Livestock may be stray due to a natural disaster, and you can help identify the owner or permit holder by access the Qld Government – Business Qld website by clicking on the below link:
Identifying stray cattle after a natural disaster | Business Queensland
Links
• Education – RAAG
• Road Condition Information - QLDTraffic
• Livestock owners and the NLIS | Business Queensland
• Identifying stray cattle after a natural disaster | Business Queensland
• Department of Agriculture and Fisheries - iBrands (daf.qld.gov.au)
Useful Apps
Useful Contact Numbers
• RSPCA – 1300 264 625
• Bio Security Qld – 13 25 23
• Qld Police (Stock Squad) 07 4030 3321
• Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) – 13 19 40
• Isaac Regional Council – 1300ISAACS (1300 472 227)