It’s that time of the year where the wind is blowing, cold weather has arrived, and so have the winter storms. Now is the time to make sure that your livestock animals are safe and secure!

Did you know that Kitsap Humane Society’s Animal Control team responds to calls of loose livestock on public roads and highways?

Kitsap Animal Control actually receives a fair amount of these calls during the fall and winter seasons for loose livestock, so it’s important to make sure that your livestock or pasture pets are properly confined and unable to escape for their safety. During this time of the year, tree limbs can fall and break fences, or damage wire lines normally used to confine livestock. We advise that you should do regular checks of your property’s fence line to assure there are no areas where your livestock may be able to escape.

What if my livestock escapes?

The first thing you should do is check the surrounding areas immediately. If you are unable to locate your lost livestock, we recommend posting about your lost livestock on social media outlets and community Facebook pages. We live in a great community of animal lovers and supportive neighbors, getting the word about your lost livestock helps more people keep an eye out and increases the likelihood of reuniting you to your lost animal. For large lost livestock, such as any hoofed animal, you can also file a formal report to Animal Control by calling 911. Simply alert that you have an animal control issue when you call and our Animal Control team will reach out to you as soon as they can. Animal Control may have information of where your livestock was last seen. 

What if I saw loose livestock on a road or highway and no owner was present?

For this matter, please call 911 and provide a description of the animal, the location and the time seen to the 911 dispatcher. Kitsap Animal Control will be provided with this information soon after your call. 

By taking proper precautions to secure fences and check your property lines, you decrease the likelihood of your livestock becoming stray. However, if your livestock do escape, know that Kitsap Humane Society’s Animal Control team is here to help!