Livestock liability issues
Living the Country Life Radio Program
Raising animals can be a lot of fun, but understanding livestock laws is essential if you want to avoid issues with legal liability. Livestock laws require that you maintain your animals in a way to avoid causing property damage or personal injury. For example, you can be held legally responsible if your wandering pigs decide to dig up the neighbor's prize-winning flower garden. Of course, there are also nuisance laws in most communities that address the issue of quiet, use, and enjoyment of property. To protect yourself, investigate all applicable laws before adding new livestock to your farm.
Radio Interview Source: Harrison Pittman, director, National Agricutural Law Center
For additional information regarding livestock liability issues, we recommend the following helpful Web sites:
Good Fences Make Good Neighbors: An overview of livestock laws as they apply to horses, cattle, goats, and sheep, including an explanation of open range statutes.
Livestock Laws: A brief explanation of the importance of livestock laws, plus links to additional information regarding state-specific legislation.
The National Agricultural Law Center: A complete resource for rural homeowners interested in all aspects of agricultural law.
