Local resident cites fence out ordinance after cows invade property

Residents of Rockbridge County are raising concerns over the implications of the local fence out ordinance, which places the responsibility of keeping livestock off private property on landowners. During a recent Board of Supervisors meeting, a resident shared a troubling experience involving a neighbor's cows that repeatedly wandered onto her property, highlighting the challenges posed by this ordinance.

The resident recounted how, after purchasing 30 acres of land three decades ago, she faced issues when a neighboring farmer's cows broke through their pasture. Despite her attempts to contact the owner, the cows continued to trespass, leading her to involve the sheriff's office. She learned that the fence out ordinance not only held her accountable for preventing the cows from entering her property but also made her liable for their welfare while on her land.

On March 6, the situation escalated when a herd of 12 to 15 Angus cows appeared near her home, causing damage as they entered her hay shed. When law enforcement arrived, they informed her that the owner had declined to retrieve the animals immediately, citing the ordinance's lack of a time frame for animal retrieval.

This incident has sparked a broader discussion among community members about the fairness and practicality of the fence out ordinance. Many residents are concerned that it places an undue burden on property owners who may not have the resources to build adequate fencing or manage the consequences of their neighbors' livestock.

As the Board of Supervisors considers potential revisions to the ordinance, residents are hopeful for changes that will better balance the responsibilities of livestock owners and neighboring landowners. The outcome of these discussions could significantly impact property rights and community relations in Rockbridge County.