RESIDENTS are being reminded to check their fences to keep livestock, pets, and drivers safe.
Reports of escaped goats, dogs, and sheep have seen an influx on social media in the last two months, with one local informing the Review that they had reported four incidents of loose livestock on O’Grady’s Road, Kilmore, in just two weeks.
“It’s frightening to encounter small herds on the side of a 100km/h road,” they said.
“It’s just so dangerous. They’re usually looking for food or maybe water, but they spook easily, so you just have to slam on the breaks and pray.
“I’ve called the police four times now … it’s getting ridiculous.”
The local urged residents to regularly inspect their fences for damage and promptly repair any faults, and relocate livestock to a secure area to ensure their safety and the safety of others if faults could not be resolved in a timely manner.
“People need to check their fences often and improve their setup if they have regular escapees,” they said.
“If it isn’t the sheep or goats that get killed, it could very well be a driver or a family.”
Extreme temperatures can cause animals to escape their enclosures in an attempt to find a cool refuge. Livestock and pet owners are reminded to ensure their animals always have access to water and shade, and to bring them inside once the temperature reaches 30 degrees if possible.
