By Jessica Micallef
Complaints about wandering livestock in the Macedon Ranges are at their highest for three years, new figures reveal.
The latest data from Macedon Ranges council reveals the number of complaints made by residents regarding wandering livestock rose 14.1 per cent (from 99 complaints to 113) from December 1, 2018, to March 22, 2019, compared to the previous year.
There were 88 complaints made to the council from December 1, 2016, to March 22, 2017.
Acting assets and operations director Anne-Louise Linder said Macedon Ranges livestock owners needed to ensure their animals were securely confined to their properties.
“While in the majority of these complaints the stock was able to be contained before accidents have occurred, unfortunately on at least two occasions traffic accidents have resulted,” she said.
Areas with the highest number of complaints included Kyneton, Woodend and Darraweit Guim.
But the council responded to reports of wandering livestock from right across the Macedon Ranges throughout summer.
“Dry summer conditions can be a challenging time for livestock owners, but owners still must ensure that their livestock are adequately confined and that there is enough feed and water on the property to sustain them,” Ms Linder said.
“Often the livestock break through fences in search for food. Fencing must be secure, regularly checked and well maintained.
“When council receives a report, officers will attempt to contact the owner of the livestock to retrieve the animals and to ensure the owner makes the necessary repairs to prevent livestock escaping again.
“Where livestock are wandering on roads, the first priority is to secure the stock to the nearest property to eliminate the risks to drivers and the stock.”
Under the Victorian Impounding of Livestock Act 1994 and council’s local law No.10, livestock trespassing on public or private land can be impounded by council officers.
Officers can also impound livestock from land when the animals are inadequately confined.
Where livestock is trespassing on private land, the land owner can impound it and notify council.
Wandering livestock can be reported to the council by calling 5422 0333.
