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Animals - Stray

Livestock keepers have a responsibility ensure that their animals do not stray from their land or common to cause a traffic hazard or nuisance to residents of the Borough.  Unfortunately, problems can arise through the actions of the people, who may not realise the implications of a gate left open.

Vandalism is often the cause of damaged fences, sometimes by motorbike riders or walkers taking a short cut over a fence. Stray dogs may worry livestock resulting in escape from their enclosures.  Cooperation is vital, the Impounding Team of the Highways Section will contact the local farmers to seek rapid removal of the stray sheep, goats, cattle or horses to their home farm or common.

When necessary the stray animals will be impounded and they can be released after the appropriate standstill period by payment of the relevant fee.

Please note cattle and horse passports should be produced for identification when arrangements are made for release. Contact the Impounding Team for further details.

The Borough Council’s Members and Officers liaising regularly with local farmers, Gwent Police and other interested people and organisations during meetings of the Working Party on Straying Animals. A recent Gwent Police and Council arrangement  means that persistent offenders who allow their animals to stray may be prosecuted under Section 155 of the Highways Act.