Madison County supervisors voted to adopt Ordinance 2025-9 on a voice vote, making it unlawful to allow livestock to run at large on public highways and establishing enforcement discretion and penalties.

The ordinance, presented by Mr. Cave, says “it shall be unlawful to allow livestock to run at large upon public highway,” and is intended to address repeat incidents that create hazards for drivers and animals, according to the presentation. Mr. Cave cited an Oct. 16 vehicle-versus-horse accident as an example of the safety risk the ordinance seeks to reduce.

Under the adopted language, repeated failures to keep animals off roadways would trigger administrative penalties; Mr. Cave outlined that if an owner’s livestock is documented to get out three times in 90 days, “the third time triggers the $100 fee.” The ordinance draft gives local officers and the animal-control official discretion to account for acts of God or isolated fencing failures.

Supervisors discussed scope and enforcement, including whether the rule should apply to all animals or only livestock; staff noted expanding the definition to all animals would create broader complications. Vice Chairman Yao and staff said the ordinance is aimed at repeat offenders whose animals pose recurring public-safety and taxpayer-cost concerns.

The board approved Ordinance 2025-9 by voice vote and thanked Mr. Cave for the presentation. The ordinance will be codified in chapter six, article 201 of the county code if implemented as discussed.