Have you Been Charged with Permitting Livestock to Run at Large or Stray in Georgia?
Livestock running at large can be a major problem. Sometimes livestock stray accidentally while other times it was due to an owner being negligent. If you or a loved one has been charged with livestock running at large, contact our office today. The Law Office of Lawson and Berry and their team of Georgia Attorneys have over 50 years of criminal experience. Let their experience work for you today.
Georgia Law O.C.G.A. §4-3-3
No owner shall permit livestock to run at large on or to stray upon the public roads of this state or any property not belonging to the owner of the livestock, except by permission of the owner of such property.
Penalty for Permitting Livestock to Run at Large or Stray in Georgia
A person who violates this statute will be guilty of a misdemeanor. Furthermore, the suspect could face less than one year in jail and fines of no more than $1,000.
Livestock Running at Large Defenses
Consent from the owner: Permission from the proprietor to let your livestock stray onto their property will mean that the owner is not guilty of a crime.
Lack of negligence on behalf of the owner: If there is no evidence that the owner was negligent in caring for his livestock, then it is likely they will not be found of guilty of this crime. In the case of West v. West, a man hit a stray cow while driving. The owner introduced evidence that the fencing surrounding pasture was in good repair and the gates were closed at the time of the accident. Therefore, the owner exercises ordinary care in the maintenance of his livestock and he was acquitted of the charge of permitting livestock to run at large. 299 Ga. App. 643, (2009).
What are Not Defenses
It wasn't public property: As long as it was property that did not belong to the owner of the livestock, then the owner of the animal will be guilty of permitting livestock to run at large.
Contact Us
Although a misdemeanor conviction may seem inconsequential, spending time in jail or paying fines will have an impact on your life. It is still important that you retain representation to help you fight the charges and try to either get the jail time or fine lowered. The Criminal Defense Attorneys at Lawson and Berry are here for you!
