Escaped cattle can cause a litany of damages to another person’s property. They could accidentally destroy the soil on someone’s property or step into the road and cause a major automobile accident.
These accidents often result in hefty fines for the cattle owners, even if they have insurance. That’s why it’s important to invest in top-quality fence installation with the right materials.
Understand local fence law
Most states have their own laws when it comes to fencing. Be sure to brush up on the local law before building a fence and introducing cattle to the land. New Mexico is a bit different than other states when it comes to fence laws. It’s considered an open range state, where livestock can roam openly in certain areas. In these areas, it’s the job of other property owners to protect their gardens and such from livestock by building fences.
That said, if you live closer to local roads and towns, it’s best to protect your animals with a good wire fence. Doing so will also help you avoid potential legal issues.
Find the right insurance
An essential part of protecting yourself from paying massive fines is finding the right insurance. Carefully read over your insurance policy, and make sure it specifically covers damages caused by escaped livestock. Working with a good liability insurance company is beneficial in many ways, as they will not only help cover most damages but may also provide legal defense if necessary.
Build a strong livestock fence
While having a good insurance policy is important, it may not help in every situation. Plus, even with good insurance, you may end up in a long and arduous legal battle if one of your animals escapes and causes property damage. The best way to truly protect your cattle and avoid paying legal fees is by building a top-quality fence.
A good fence will not only prevent your cattle from escaping and causing property damage but will help avoid injury to your animals. With an improperly-installed fence, a cow may try to escape and end up getting caught in barbed wire. This means expensive veterinarian fees and possibly the loss of a loved animal.
While it’s possible to build a good fence on your own if you have experience, consider working with a professional instead. Working with a fence installation professional will leave you time to deal with other aspects of farming life.
Properly maintain your livestock fence
Proper fence maintenance will ensure your cattle stay protected all year-round. Make sure you have the right tools on hand to take care of minor repairs. If you notice any large issues, contact a fence repair specialist right away. Even the smallest issue can create a point of escape before you know it.
As you can see, a good livestock fence can help you save money on expensive legal fees in the long run. While New Mexico is an open-range state, if you want to prevent your animals from getting lost or injured, invest in top-quality livestock fences.
If you’re a Carlsbad, NM property owner in need of fence installation services, contact the experts at Guadalupe Mountain Fencing LLC.