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Board agrees to pursue ordinance targeting repeat livestock 'running at large' incidents; public hearing planned for Nov. 25
Summary
County animal control presented incident logs showing repeated livestock escapes at specific properties and proposed an ordinance to address repeat offenders with progressive warnings and civil penalties; the board directed staff to bring the draft ordinance for public hearing at the second November meeting.
Animal control and sheriff’s office staff told the Board of Supervisors that particular properties have had repeated livestock escapes that require multiple patrol responses, create public‑safety hazards and impose overtime and resource costs on county staff.
Animal control presented a log of responses at one address showing multiple callouts across a 38‑day span, including incidents with dozens of animals on county roads. Staff said the proposal is not intended to target all livestock owners but to provide enforcement tools for repeat offenders whose animals repeatedly enter roadways or other public areas.
The draft language discussed at the meeting would criminalize or civilly penalize livestock running at large on highways and allow officers to issue warnings and, after repeat incidents, impose a civil penalty. Staff and the county attorney discussed whether fines should be discretionary at first offense or set to a progressive three‑strike model; board members raised concerns about consistency and officer discretion. The county attorney advised the board it may regulate livestock under the county’s police powers and that a public process is appropriate.
The board directed staff to schedule the ordinance for public hearing at the second November meeting (Nov. 25) and to return with a final draft that addresses the discussed issues, including the warning/penalty structure.
