Cows dead after collision
Two cows were killed after a driver smashed into them on a rural Piako road.
The woman at the wheel called police to inform them she’d struck cattle on Waihekau Rd, near Te Aroha, about 6.30am on Monday.
Two beasts were dead at the scene.
‘‘She was upset but I don’t think she was injured and was doing her best to alert oncoming traffic,’’ Waikato police Senior Sergeant Pete van de Wetering said.
Police, fire and ambulance were called to attend the incident. Farmers have a duty to ensure that their farms are adequately fenced to contain their livestock and are liable for any damage that is caused by their wandering stock.
Late last year, a driver ran into a bull while travelling at night along Ngarua Rd.
Under the Animal Welfare Reform Act those who are in charge of livestock have a duty to others to take reasonable care to see that damage is not caused by stock straying onto roads.
A farmer can be criminally liable under the Crimes Act if livestock wander on to public roads and adequate steps are not taken to secure animals.
‘‘Under the Animal Welfare Reform Act those who are in charge of livestock have a duty to others to take reasonable care to see that damage is not caused by stock straying onto roads.’’