Cattle Wandering Onto State Highway Shot

Ruapehu District Council (RDC) compliance staff took part in a joint agency operation yesterday to shoot cattle that have been wandering onto SH47 and causing vehicle accidents and near misses.

The joint operation involving RDC, the Department of Conservation (DOC), and the Police was organised as there is a fear that it is only a matter of time before someone is hurt or killed in a collision with one of the cattle.

RDC Team Compliance Officer, Wayne O’Shannessey, said that the cattle have been constantly coming out onto the highway.

“The cattle are not wild but due to the state of the surrounding fences and the nearest cattle yard being unsuitable to hold the animals a muster was not a viable option.”

“I have personally attended one vehicle collision with a cattle beast that required the animal to be shot and have heard of other near misses,” he said.

“Council gets numerous calls about stock being on the roads from around the district.”

“This is a timely reminder for farmers to ensure their stock cannot roam and are secure in their paddocks.”

“A collision between a car and a cattle beast will invariably write-off the car and there is a very high likelihood that the driver or passengers will be seriously injured if not killed.”

“It is almost impossible to see a cow on the road on a dark night out in the country,” he said.

ENDS

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