The rules relating to stock crossings and the movement of livestock are contained within the Traffic (Road Rules) Regulations 1999 ("Road Rules"), sections 362 to 366 and they are enforced by Tasmanian Police.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is the definition of livestock?
2. Do I need a permit to move my stock?
3. Are there any special requirements when I'm moving stock?
4. When can I move my stock?
5. Am I responsible for any mess my stock make on the roads?
6. How do I choose a stock-crossing site?
7. Does my regular crossing site require council permission?
8. How do I warn other road users?
9. Can my stock graze along the roadside?
10. Can my animals be impounded by the council?
11. What if stock has strayed onto my property?
12. What is a grazing lease?
1. What is the definition of livestock?
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'Livestock' as defined by the Traffic (Road Rules) Regulations 1999, includes but is not limited to, horses, cattle, swine, sheep, goats and deer.
2. Do I need a permit to move my stock?
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A permit is not required unless you are leading livestock on a national highway. Permits are issued and enforced by Tasmanian Police.
3. Are there any special requirements when I'm moving stock?
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The Traffic (Road Rules) Regulations 1999 have special provisions that must be followed when leading livestock across public roads. These include having two people lead the stock (one at the front and one at the rear) for main roads, or one person assisted by a sheep dog or cattle dog for other kinds of roads (see section 365 of the Regulations).
Due care should be exercised at all times when leading stock on roads to ensure the safety of all road users.
4. When can I move my stock?
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According to the Traffic (Road Rules) Regulations 1999, the moving of livestock can only be undertaken during daylight hours (the period extending from 30 minutes after sunrise to 30 minutes before sunset). Stock cannot be led on a road at night except in the case of an emergency, or to lead the stock to or from a dairy. A person leading livestock at night must provide warning to other road users by means of a flashing or rotating amber light (see section 364 of the Regulations).
5. Am I responsible for any mess my stock make on the roads?
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In a word, YES. It is an offence under section 51 of the Roads and Jetties Act 1935 to lay down or cause to be laid down or deposited on a road any dung or soil, unless authorised by the road authority.
6. How do I choose a stock-crossing site?
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People are encouraged to be guided by commonsense regarding topography and visibility.
People should select a crossing site that provides adequate visibility to approaching motorists where possible. This should be 200 metres before the crossing site, otherwise the person should give approaching drivers effective and sufficient warning (see section 363 of the Regulations).
7. Does my regular crossing site require council permission?
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Council requires that any person wishing to set up a regular crossing site contact its Works Department to organise the erection of appropriate signage.
8. How do I warn other road users?
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Approaching drivers should be able to see the livestock for at least 200 metres before reaching the animals. If topography, vegetation or structures make this impossible, you must give other road users sufficient warning that they are approaching stock e.g. a yellow sign with the words 'Stock Ahead'or a flashing or rotating amber light. (Traffic Regulations 1999, section 363).
9. Can my stock graze along the roadside?
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Council's Parks, Reserves and Recreation Areas By-Law No 2 1999 prohibits animals in public reserves, including local roads and nature strips.
10. Can my animals be impounded by the council?
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Under the Local Government Act 1993 council may impound any animal found straying or at large on any highway or on any land owned by, or under the control of, council. The Law of Animals Act 1962 also impacts on impounding animals and should also be referred to for legal obligations and responsibilities. Individuals should contact the municipal inspector for further details.
Stock found to be straying may be impounded at council's pound where they will be kept for a minimum period of 14 days after which time the animal(s) will be sold, given away or destroyed. Should the owner of impounded stock be identified then arrangements will be made for the return of the stock after all associated fees and charges have been paid.
11. What if stock has strayed onto my property?
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The Law of Animals Act 1962 contains provisions about what to do if the above mentioned occurs. In the first instance you should contact your local police station to advise that you have detained a trespassing animal. Under the Animal Welfare Act 1993 there are legislation requirements about how to treat the intruding animal in your charge. You are required to take all reasonable measures to ensure that the welfare of the animal is maintained.
Council is only permitted to impound straying stock found on a highway or land owned or under council's control.
12. What is a grazing lease?
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Many of the grassy open eucalypt forest and woodland communities of Tasmania on both private and public land are subjected to grazing by domestic livestock. This 'rough grazing' or the grazing of 'native pastures' has a long history in Tasmania.
Leases or licences to use Crown land are obtainable through the Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment (DPIWE), if the intended use is compatible with the reasons why the Government is continuing to own the land. Examples of leased and licensed occupation of Crown land include grazing, marine structures and fish processing factories. These are governed by the Crown Lands Act 1976 andCrown Lands Regulations 2001 and can be viewed at the Tasmanian Legislation web site.
Forestry Tasmania manages informal agistment licences for farmers wishing to use State Forest lands for grazing purposes. These are obtainable from Forestry Tasmania Head Office, 79 Melville Street, Hobart.
Similar arrangements are available for areas owned by Hydro Tasmania and enquiries should be directed to 4 Elizabeth Street, Hobart.
Public Liability Insurance
The cover provided to council under its insurance scheme does not extend to liability incurred by farmers who graze their stock on roadsides.
For more information contact council's municipal inspector.
