Voters in Brazos County are considering “encampment laws” that would fine ranchers for roaming livestock

BRAZOS COUNTY, Texas (KBTX) – Early voters in Brazos County are weighing two statewide proposals in our current election that could impact rural residents and ranchers.

Currently, Brazos County is considered free range, meaning farmers and ranchers are not required to fence in their livestock.

Tiffany Dowell Lashmet, a Texas A&M professor and agricultural law consulting specialist, explained, “You are not liable for any damage caused by the animal or anything like that if it is hit by a vehicle.”

In the current election, Brazos County voters will decide on two livestock laws in Proposals A and B. Proposal A would require fencing of cattle, and Proposal B applies to all other livestock.

The Brazos County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) said KBTX deputies are asked to frequently respond to calls of roaming livestock.

“It could be a cow, a bull, a horse, a sheep, a goat or anything out on the street or in someone’s yard,” listed BCSO Sergeant Brian Bachmeyer.

If the proposals are adopted, pet owners will be on the hook if the animals escape or cause harm.

As KBTX explains, violations of the corporate laws would result in a fine.

Third-generation Bryan rancher Scott Catalena opposes the measure.

“We have to make sure we don’t forget where we come from,” Catalena pleaded. “It sounds very logical if you’re not familiar with the way we live and the way Texas has been traditional for a very, very long time.”

According to Catalena, these proposals place an additional burden on producers, which in turn leads to costs that are later passed on to consumers.

“We all don’t like the beef prices we’re currently seeing in supermarkets and restaurants. Well, it’s things like this that keep pushing things like this up,” Catelena warned.

If either proposal passes, it could take effect about a month after Election Day, according to Brazos County.

KBTX called every county sheriff’s office in the Brazos Valley and about half of them, including Robertson and Burleson, are free range. Counties with a closed inventory law include Grimes and Madison counties.

Use KBTX’s election center as your contact for everything related to local elections. We have polling locations, candidate and proposal information, sample ballots and more.

Copyright 2024 KBTX. All rights reserved.