ORANGE — Some towns have ordinances in place to fine people if their animals consistently get out and cause issues. But Orange does not, and its Agricultural Commission would like to change that.
The commission met last week to discuss approaching the Selectboard about the possibility of establishing a structure of monetary penalties for loose animals. The commission is an advisory body to the Selectboard, and cannot adopt a fine policy on its own.
Agricultural Commission Secretary James Hunt said members have recently received a few complaints from townspeople about animals escaping from a private residence. He said animals getting loose is “part of every farm,” but it becomes a problem when it occurs frequently and due to negligence, or inadequate fencing, housing or protective barriers.
“A few people in Orange are kind of fed up with other people’s animals getting into their yard, picking at their gardens,” said Hunt, who works at Hunt Farm, a daily operation that has been in his family for six generations.
He said loose animals can be a nuisance as well as a safety risk. For example, he said, if a cow wanders into a roadway and causes a car accident, the vehicle’s occupants could be injured or even killed.
Hunt said it is a farmer’s responsibility to be respectful neighbors and stewards of their land. He said animals will be less inclined to escape if there are proper barriers, and if the animals are well cared for and well fed.
“Some people need to rethink having animals on their property,” he said. “(The commission is) trying to advocate for responsible agricultural policies and keeping agriculture alive in Massachusetts.”
The next Selectboard meeting is slated for Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. However, the Agricultural Commission is not included on the Selectboard agenda that was posted on Monday.
Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 262.