County Council Pressed to Act on Dangerous Feral Cattle

Date: March 28, 2023

County council has directed municipal staff to develop a practical and affordable strategy to deal with roaming feral cattle, following mounting safety concerns from residents and farmers in Sophiasburgh and surrounding areas.

Reports of uncontrolled, aggressive cattle wandering freely near homes, farms, and major roadways have alarmed both councillors and the agricultural community. The issue was raised again at Tuesday night’s council meeting, where farmers described ongoing property damage and serious risks to motorists.

Councillor Roy Pennell has previously urged council to reinstate a Pound Keeper position, citing repeated incidents involving large animals in Ameliasburgh. However, those motions failed to gain enough support. This time, councillor Bill Roberts’ call for assistance resonated strongly with local farmers attending the meeting.

Farmers told council they are dealing with a herd of more than a dozen cattle and rodeo bulls that have been roaming unchecked for months. The animals have reportedly trampled crops, damaged fields, torn into large hay bales, and repeatedly wandered onto roads.

“These aren’t passive dairy cows,” one speaker noted. “They’re rodeo animals—high-energy and unpredictable.”

The herd, estimated at around 14 animals, has been sighted frequently near Highway 49, Bethesda Road, and Fish Lake Road, raising fears of collisions, especially after dark.

Lynn Leavitt, chair of the Prince Edward Cattlemen’s Association, warned that black cattle are extremely difficult to see at night, putting both drivers and animals at grave risk. He added that farmers have repeatedly attempted to corral the herd, but the animals are too skittish to approach.

“The longer they remain loose, the worse the situation will become,” Leavitt cautioned. He also expressed concern that heifers are running with the bulls, which could lead to further population growth within months.

John Thompson, representing the Prince Edward Federation of Agriculture, told council the issue has escalated beyond individual landowners. “This is no longer manageable at the farm level,” he said, emphasizing that the municipality has a responsibility to intervene when owners fail to contain their livestock. He reiterated that contracting a Pound Keeper is essential in cases where owners are unwilling or unreachable.

One nearby resident described cattle running across his septic system, damaging his garden, and appearing near his garage and driveway.

“I had to haul away cow manure with a wheelbarrow,” he told council, underscoring the daily impact on neighbouring properties.

According to council, the herd’s owner has been contacted numerous times but has reportedly stopped responding.

Municipal staff have now been instructed to research enforcement and containment options and present a formal report at the April 11 council meeting.

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