A recent accident where a vehicle and cattle beast collided on State Highway 38 is a timely reminder to stock owners to ensure their stock are kept secure.

Wairoa District Council interim chief executive Kitea Tipuna said the recent accident could have resulted in someone being killed or badly injured and was a very close call.

“Council staff are always actively checking roadside fences to ensure they are stock proof.

However, ultimately the responsibility for keeping stock off roads is with the stock owner.

The most recent accident happened just past Frasertown heading to Waikaremoana.

“It was a very close call and while it was bad enough that the cattle beast did not survive it could have been a lot worse.

“There are a number of hot spots where Council staff are regularly called to and in most cases these callouts are because of damaged fencing or lack of maintenance which allow cows and horses to escape.

“If Council staff are alerted to roaming stock these animals will be impounded and the owner will be liable for the impounding fees. If these fees are not paid in seven days Council will auction the animals and use the proceeds to offset the fines for impoundment.”

Wandering stock hotspots that Council will be monitoring include, cattle on SH2 near Mohaka, horses along Ngamotu Road and Te Uhi Pa Road on SH2, cattle on Kiwi Road, horses and cattle in the Apatu/McLean Street area near Browne Street, cattle on SH38 around Frasertown and north of Frasertown, cattle on SH2 near Whakaki, cattle and horses on Ormond Road and Nukutaurua Road, Mahia.

15 October 2020

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