TWO recent accidents in Corangamite Shire involving livestock highlighted the need for farmers to have adequate fencing and stop livestock wandering on to roads, a Corangamite Shire spokesman said.
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Corangamite Shire's public safety and amenities manager Kevin Kittel said the two accidents this month, one just north of Camperdown and the other at Scotts Creek, could have easily added to the toll of regional fatalities resulting from crashes with wandering livestock.
In the accident north of Camperdown, a cow was put down after it was injured when it was hit by car. The car was extensively damaged in the crash.
In the Scotts Creek accident, a cow was slightly injured and a vehicle incurred minor damage. No people were injured in either accident.
Corangamite Shire, together with the Moyne and Warrnambool councils, have been publicising the need for farmers to have secure fences for the past three years.
However, Mr Kittle said the seriousness of the issue "just doesn't seem to be getting through to some people".
"There's just no excuse for allowing stock to wander onto our roads," he said.
"Farmers need to stop and think ? if one of their stock causes serious injury, or worse death, there will be consequences for them that will change their lives."
Mr Kittel said the accidents were symptomatic of some farmers disregard local laws.
"We had 130 callouts to wandering stock last year and have already had nearly 40 this year ? it's just not good enough and someone is going to pay dearly," he said.
Mr Kittel said local laws officers will now issue first-offence fines of $235, if there were obvious signs of negligence. Fines double for second offences.
