Bulls That Refuse To Be Impounded

Northern Advocate, 19 November 1941, Page 2

Bulls That Refuse To Be Impounded

[Special to “Northern Advocat.e”l KAITAIA, This Day. Cattle in the Mangonui district have shown every contempt for the forces of law and order. When three or four bulls, which have been proving troublesome in the Waipapakauri area, were about to be impounded by the Mangonui County Council’s inspector they showed that even bulls have a mind of their own and resisted being taken into lawful custody by turning on the inspector and his dogs. The story was heard at the Mangonui County Council meeting on Tuesday when Mr. W. K. McLean, of Waipapakauri, appeared before the council to seek advice and assistance. 'Broken to Yoke The animals were supposed to have been broken into the yoke but actually were so wild that they could not be driven. Mr. McLean said. The council's inspector had found them impossible to drive and so could not impound them. Tlie beasts went over, through or under fences and gave him much trouble, fir. McLean said. He particularly wished to protect a quantity of asparagus which he had growing. “I would willingly pay a team of men to have the beasts removed.” Mi-. McLean added. Replying to Cr. L. G. Matthews, Mr. McLean stated that he knew the owner o'f the animals and had once had them removed by him. However, they returned. Cr. Matthews: I should think the owner would be liable for his bulls committing trespass. “If you have a legal fence it is possible for you to claim damages,” commented the chairman (Mr. J. E. Barriball). Did Not Want Damages Mr. McLean: I don’t want damages. I want the cattle kept out. Cr. Matthews: If the hulls cannot be driven I suggest you could obtain police authority to have them destroyed. The owner of the animals concerned had a lot of land some of which was not fenced, said Cr. D. L. Shaw. There was no provision made to ensure the bulls being retained on the owner’s property. Recent Parliamentary amendments suggested that a bull trespassing beyond its owner’s control placed liability on the owner, commented Cr. Matthews. He suggested that Mr. McLean consult a solicitor, who would probably establish the fact that, the owner was liable to prosecution. Consult Solicitor “Your best advice would be to consult a solicitor,” said the chairman. “Then go for it baldheaded.” Cr. Matthews added. Mr. Brown, of Kaingaroa, who associated himself with the deputation, said that the bulls were a potential menace to school children. A case in which a bull on a road had been ordered to be destroyed by the police was quoted by Cr. Matthews. “If the bulls get into Mr. McLean’s property he could send for our ranger and. with the assistance of a team of men and dogs, have them impounded,” Cr. Shaw suggested. Cr. F. Holder: We could authorise Mr. McLean to employ drovers to impound the animals. Policeman’s Garden Suggesting that the police could do nothing to help him, Mr. McLean spoke of one constable who had had his garden destroyed by wandering stock. “And if he could do nothing, it is not likely that I can,” Mr. McLean commented. The chairman advised Mr. McLean to consult his solicitor, and also said that the couhcil’s ranger could make an inspection of the district.