A Look Into Auto

Accidents Caused by

Straying Livestock in

Australia

DIRECT TRADES

SUPPLY

Address: 123 Kelvin

Road, Maddington

Western Australia 6109

Contact Number: 08

9452 0166

E-mail:

info@dtswa.com.au

Animals walking down the road are a common thing in Australia. With the

prevalence of wildlife in the country, most drivers have to double check the

roads before going full speed.

However, there are instances where livestock would find their way on the

road, causing accidents. In fact, there are many cases of auto accidents due

to straying livestock.

The problem with straying livestock

The Road Traffic Accident Statistics revealed there were 127 road accidents

involving motor vehicles and straying livestock in 1965. Among these

accidents, 16 occurred within the metropolitan area and the rest in other

areas.

In addition, the Western Australian Pastoralists and Graziers Association

and Main Roads WA conducted a study in 2011 to determine the accidents

caused by livestock. They found that among auto accidents recorded, 28

were due to cattle, 280 from horses, 383 caused by kangaroos and 279

from unknown causes. Despite the variety, the fact remains that a huge

number of accidents are due to farm animals.

Liability Issues

What is equally baffling for livestock owners and car owners is the

ambiguity of laws surrounding liability for livestock-related auto

accidents. There are people who argue that anyone who is into animal

husbandry is responsible for ensuring animals do not become a public

hazard.

On the other hand, the English common law (Searle v Wallbank)

implied that owners are not liable for non-dangerous animals that

escape and cause injury to travellers. In addition, people who live in a

land adjoining a highway are under no legal obligation to install or

maintain fences to prevent animals from straying.

Solutions

As there are no straightforward solutions to livestock-related auto

accidents, interest groups propose alternatives like changes in

legislation. They advise people living near highways to construct and

reinforce fences with steel posts for the safety of drivers and the

livestock.

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Interest groups encourage livestock owners to share the cost of

fencing, as well. However, the considerable prices of fencing

prevents them from making progress.

Liability issues and lack of fencing solutions for agricultural animals

continue to be a problem in most areas. As such, auto accidents due

to straying livestock may still go up.

Sources:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-06-10/should-pastoralists-pay-

damages-if-cars-hit-their-cattle/5513452

http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/journals/UWALawRw/1966/19.pdf

http://www.dtswa.com.au/shop/Rural-Fencing/Steel-Posts

http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/explore/ResearchPubl

ications/ResearchBriefs/2010/eRBR201010.PDF