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25-2118. Animals on open range -- No duty to keep from highway
No person owning, or controlling the possession of, any domestic animal running on open
range, shall have the duty to keep such animal off any highway on such range, and shall
not be liable for damage to any vehicle or for injury to any person riding therein, caused
by a collision between the vehicle and the animal. "Open range" means all
uninclosed lands outside of cities, villages and herd districts, upon which cattle by
custom, license, lease, or permit, are grazed or permitted to roam.
25-2119. Owner or possessor of animal not liable for animal on highway
No person owning, or controlling the possession of, any domestic animal lawfully on any
highway, shall be deemed guilty of negligence by reason thereof.
25-2201. Special lien on trespassing animals
Any person having a field of [or] enclosure with a "lawful fence" as described
in chapter 1, title 35, Idaho Code, entirely surrounding the field or enclosure shall have
a special lien upon, and may take up any domestic livestock such as cattle, horses, mules,
donkeys, sheep, goats or other domestic livestock which break into the enclosure. The lien
will include the care and feeding of the livestock and other charges as provided for in
chapter 23, title 25, Idaho Code, in relation to estrays. The lien is not dependent upon
possession. It may be perfected by following the provisions of this chapter which are
required of the lien claimant.
25-2202. Perfecting lien
In order to perfect such a lien the person claiming it shall within twenty-four (24) hours
of taking up the livestock, notify the owner, if known, and the county sheriff and local
state brand inspector by the best means available. The sheriff and brand inspector shall
make information concerning this lien available to the person claiming the lien and they
shall attempt to notify the owner of the livestock of the lien and of this chapter by the
best available means. The sheriff or state brand inspector shall identify the livestock
and provide for the care and feeding of the livestock. They may, if they choose to do so,
return such animals to the owner thereof until the viewers have made their decision.
25-2203. Appointment of viewers
Within two (2) days after taking up the livestock the person claiming the lien shall
appoint one (1) viewer. The owner of the livestock, if known, or if the owner is unknown
or cannot be found, or refuses to make such appointment within three (3) days after the
livestock have been taken up, then the sheriff, shall appoint another viewer. These two
(2) viewers shall appoint a third viewer. If within two (2) days after their appointment
the first two (2) viewers cannot agree upon a third viewer, the state brand inspector
shall appoint the third viewer.
25-2204. Determinations of viewers
It shall be the duty of the viewers by majority vote to determine within three (3) days
after the appointment of the third viewer whether the person claiming the lien has a
"legal fence" within the provisions of chapter 1, title 35, Idaho Code, entirely
surrounding the enclosure. Any award of the viewers shall be itemized and made in writing,
shall be signed by the viewers agreeing to it, and shall be made within the same three (3)
day period within which they are to determine whether or not the enclosure has a
"legal fence" surrounding it. If it is determined that there is a "legal
fence" the viewers shall then assess the lienholder's damages and the costs of care
and feeding the livestock and the other charges which are to be assessed as within the
terms of the estray law, chapter 23, title 25, Idaho Code. Also, the viewers are entitled
to receive mileage at the current rates then in effect for state employees.
25-2205. Findings of amount due
The viewers may either determine the amount due to the lienholder as above provided for or
refuse to make such a finding if the enclosure does not have a "legal fence"
surrounding it, or award a nominal amount if it appears that there are minimal damages. If
the enclosure does not have a "legal fence" surrounding it, the viewers may make
a finding of costs against the person claiming the lien (as above provided), and the
livestock shall at once be surrendered to the owner of the livestock, if known, without
charge or further delay.
25-2206. Enforcement of finding
If the viewers make any finding under this chapter, enforcement of that finding may be
either by a sale as provided under the estray law, chapter 23, title 25, Idaho Code, where
the finding is against the livestock owner, or by court action.
25-2207. Sale and distribution of proceeds
If the owner of the livestock cannot be found or is unknown, or if the owner of the
livestock fails or refuses to pay any amount found against him within thirty (30) days
after the viewers make such finding, such livestock may be sold in accordance with the
estray law, chapter 23, title 25, Idaho Code. The state brand inspector or sheriff may pay
the lienholder the amount of damages found for him, if such a finding has been made from
the proceeds of any sale under the Idaho estray law, or may pay the costs of any
proceedings under this act from the proceeds of such sale. Any balance remaining after the
sale shall be paid to the owner of the livestock if known, or held as provided for by the
Idaho estray law, chapter 23, title 25, Idaho Code.
25-2208. Livestock not to be moved
The livestock shall not be moved out of the county where the enclosure is to be found
without the written approval of all three (3) viewers or upon court order.
25-2209. Court proceedings
If either the person claiming the lien or the person owning the livestock commence any
civil action in court in regard to the seizure of the livestock, the "viewer"
proceedings taken under this chapter may be terminated by the court or the court may
require an oral or written report from the viewers, if it chooses to do so, and may either
accept the report and act upon it or take the matter on to trial de novo as the court
determines.
25-2210. Penalties
Removal of the livestock from the custody of the sheriff, brand inspector or any person
holding the livestock for the sheriff or brand inspector without payment in full of all
charges or costs that have been incurred under this chapter shall be a misdemeanor and the
livestock may be recovered to be disposed of as provided for by this chapter by the
sheriff, brand inspector, or person authorized by either of them to hold the livestock.
25-2211. Viewers' qualifications
The viewers provided for by this chapter shall not be related to the person appointing
that viewer by consanquinity [consanguinity] or affinity within the second degree under
the civil system of determining relationship.
25-2301. Stray or estray defined
Stray or estray means any livestock whose owner is unknown or cannot be located, or any
livestock whose owner is known but who permits livestock to roam at large on public or
private lands contrary to law or regulation and without permission.
25-2302. Duty of sheriff or brand inspector
When a sheriff or brand inspector finds stray livestock or stray livestock are reported to
him, he shall attempt to locate the owner and to notify the owner where the livestock may
be found. If the owner refuses to, or does not take possession of the livestock within
five (5) days after being notified of the location of the livestock, or if the owner is
unknown or cannot be located, the sheriff or brand inspector shall seize the livestock or
have some person hold and care for the livestock on behalf of the sheriff or brand
inspector and the sheriff or brand inspector shall proceed to sell the livestock at a
local public livestock market as provided for by law to the highest bidder for cash, after
giving at least fifteen (15) days public notice of the sale.
25-2303. Notification
If a recognized brand or mark is found on stray livestock, the owner shall be notified by
the best method available. If an unrecognized brand or brands or other marks are found on
stray livestock, the local brand inspector or the state brand board shall be notified by
the best method available.
25-2304. Notice of sale
Notice of the sale shall be given by advertising the stray livestock for sale at least
twice in a daily newspaper of general circulation in the area where the livestock was
found and is being held. The notice shall describe the livestock by giving number, marks,
brands, approximate age, sex and any other distinguishing characteristics, and the notice
shall describe when and where the livestock will be sold.
25-2305. Notice of sale to owner
If the owner of the stray livestock is known and can be located, a copy of the notice of
sale shall be served upon the owner at least fifteen (15) days before the date of the
sale. Service of the notice may be made by certified or registered mail.
25-2306. Claiming of stray livestock
The owner of the stray livestock make take possession of the livestock at any time prior
to sale by proving ownership and paying the costs relative to taking up and caring for the
animal or animals and the costs of advertising, inspection, etc., as set forth in section
25-2309, Idaho Code.
25-2307. Removal without payment prohibited
Removal of the estray livestock from the custody of the sheriff, brand inspector or any
person holding the estray livestock for the sheriff or brand inspector without payment in
full of all charges or costs that have been incurred under this chapter shall be a
misdemeanor and the livestock may be recovered to be disposed of as provided for by this
chapter by the sheriff, brand inspector or person authorized by either of them to hold the
estray livestock.
25-2308. Sale of unclaimed animals
If the owner of stray livestock does not claim the animals before the day of sale or if
the owner is unknown or cannot be located, the sheriff or brand inspector shall have the
livestock sold pursuant to the notice of sale and shall execute and deliver a brand
inspection certificate to the purchaser, stating that the livestock has been sold as
estray to the purchaser, which certificate may thereafter be used by the purchaser to show
ownership of the livestock sold.
25-2309. Charges for care, advertising and sale
The sheriff, brand inspector or person authorized by either of them to feed and care for
stray livestock shall receive all actual expenses incurred; but food and care shall not be
charged at a rate to exceed two dollars ($2.00) per head per day for cattle and horses nor
more than seventy-five cents (75~) per head per day for other animals from the time that
the sheriff or brand inspector is notified that the livestock has been taken up as estray.
The sheriff or brand inspector or livestock market shall receive like costs for any time
during which the livestock are in their possession. The sheriff or brand inspector may
also charge and receive mileage and inspection fees for inspecting any estray livestock
for the purpose of determining ownership of the livestock at the rates provided for by law
or regulation. Also, standard fees shall be payable for sale by the livestock market and
for health and brand inspection and assessments or taxes for sale of livestock as provided
for by law.
25-2310. Disposition of worthless estrays
If in the judgment of a sheriff or brand inspector estray livestock is of no value or its
value would be less than the cost of feed, care and sale of the livestock under this
chapter, the sheriff or brand inspector may dispose of the livestock by private sale or by
slaughter. If the owner of such livestock is known, he shall be personally notified of the
proposed disposition of the livestock at least three (3) days before the livestock is
privately sold or slaughtered. The owner may claim such livestock by paying the expenses
incurred against it.
25-2311. Sale by brand inspector
If the estray livestock is sold by a brand inspector, he shall immediately advise the
state brand inspector of all the particulars of the matter and account for the proceeds
and forward the net proceeds of the sale to the state brand inspector to be placed in the
unclaimed livestock account, to be handled as provided for by sections 25-1173 and 25-
1174, Idaho Code, and the rules and regulations of the state brand board. The previous
owner of the animal may make claim for the net proceeds as provided for by sections
25-1173 and 25-1174, Idaho Code.
25-2312. Sale by sheriff -- Subsequent claims
If the estray livestock is sold by a sheriff, after deducting the costs provided for by
this chapter, particularly by section 25-2309, Idaho Code, the net proceeds of the sale
shall be forwarded to the county treasurer and the county treasurer shall hold the
proceeds of the sale for six (6) months. At any time within the six (6) month period, any
person claiming to be the owner of the animal sold may recover the net funds of the sale
from the county treasurer by producing proof that the animal or animals were his property.
Said proof shall be made before the sheriff who made the sale or his successor in office
and for such purpose the sheriff is empowered to administer oaths to the claimant or his
witnesses. Upon making such proof, the sheriff shall give the claimant an order on the
county treasurer, which order shall be retained until the six (6) month period has
expired. If such claimant is the only person claiming the livestock, the county treasurer
shall turn over such moneys to the claimant. If, however, there be more than one claimant
for said moneys, then such contesting claimants must bring an action within three (3)
months to determine who is the owner of the livestock sold. The action shall be brought in
the magistrate or district court having jurisdiction of the matter. The claimant receiving
judgment in his favor shall be entitled to said moneys. In case the ownership of the
livestock be not proved, or there are no claims as to the ownership of such livestock,
within the time provided, then the moneys in the hands of the county treasurer shall be
forfeited to the school district where said animal or animals were taken up and shall, by
the county treasurer, be turned over to such school district for the use of the school
district.
25-2401. Commissioners may create herd districts
(1) The board of county commissioners of each county in the state shall have power to
create, modify or eliminate herd districts within such county as hereinafter provided; and
when such district is so created, modified or eliminated, the provisions of this chapter
shall apply and be enforceable therein. On and after January 1, 1990, no county shall
regulate or otherwise control the running at large of horses, mules, asses, cattle, sheep
or goats within the unincorporated areas of the county unless such regulation or control
is provided by the creation of a herd district pursuant to the provisions of this chapter,
except as provided by subsection (2) of this section. The provisions of this chapter shall
not apply to any herd district or herd ordinance in full force and effect prior to January
1, 1990, but shall apply to any modification thereof.
(2) A panel of five (5) members may be created in a county, the members of which shall be appointed as follows: two (2) members by appointment of the board of county commissioners; two (2) members by appointment of a local, county or state livestock association or associations; and the fifth member, by concurrent appointment of the first four (4) appointees. Only if a majority of said panel, after a public hearing held with notice as prescribed by law, concludes that the creation, modification or elimination of a herd district is insufficient to control or otherwise regulate the movement of livestock in an area, the board of county commissioners shall have power to establish such control by ordinance, provided that the cost of construction and maintenance of any fencing or cattle guards required by said ordinance shall be paid by the county current expense fund. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, a county shall have the authority to levy an annual property tax of not to exceed two hundredths percent (.02%) of market value for assessment purposes on taxable real property within the county, and the revenues derived therefrom shall not be used for any other purpose. Such special levy shall be exempt from the limitation imposed by section 63-923(1), Idaho Code.
25-2402. Petition and requirements for district
(1) A majority of the owners of taxable real property, including corporations, in any area
or district described by metes and bounds and who are also domiciled and resident in the
state of Idaho, may petition the board of county commissioners in writing to create,
modify or eliminate a herd district in such area; provided, that in the case of a petition
for the purpose of eliminating an existing district or any portion thereof, said area must
be contiguous to open range. Such petition shall describe the boundaries of the said
proposed herd district, and shall designate what animals of the species of horses, mules,
asses, cattle, swine, sheep and goats it is desired to prohibit from running at large,
also prohibiting said animals from being herded upon the public highways in such district;
and shall designate that the herd district shall not apply to nor cover livestock,
excepting swine, which shall roam, drift or stray from open range into the district unless
the district shall be inclosed by lawful fences and cattle guards as needed in roads
penetrating the district so as to prevent livestock, excepting swine, from roaming,
drifting or straying from open range into the district; and may designate the period of
the year during which it is desired to prohibit such animals from running at large, or
being herded on the highways. Such petition may also state the conditions and location(s),
if any, for the construction of legal fences and cattle guards which may be required to
prohibit the running at large of livestock within the interior of the proposed district;
provided, that if such petition does not address the issue of interior fencing and cattle
guards, the board of county commissioners shall have the power to establish such internal
fencing requirements upon their approval of a proposed district. Provided, any herd
district heretofore established shall retain its identity, geographic definition, and
remain in full force and effect, until vacated or modified hereafter as provided by
section 25-2404, Idaho Code.
(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, no herd district shall:
(a) Contain any lands owned by the United States of America or the state of Idaho, upon which the grazing of livestock has historically been permitted.
(b) Result in the state, a county, a city or a highway district being held liable for personal injury, wrongful death or property damage resulting from livestock within the public right-of-way.
(c) Prohibit trailing or driving of livestock from one location to another on public roads or recognized livestock trails.
(3) Open range means all uninclosed lands outside cities and villages upon which by custom, license or otherwise, livestock, excepting swine, are grazed or permitted to roam.
(4) The owners of taxable real property within the herd district shall:
(a) Pay the costs, including on private land, of constructing and maintaining legal fences as required on the district's border with open range so as to prevent livestock, excepting swine, from roaming, drifting or straying from open range into the district.
(b) Pay the costs, including on private land, of constructing and maintaining cattle guards as required on the district's border with open range so as to prevent livestock, excepting swine, from roaming, drifting or straying from open range into the district; except that the costs of maintaining a cattle guard located on a public right-of-way shall thereafter be paid by the state, county, city or highway district responsible for maintaining said right-of-way.
(c) Pay seventy-five percent (75%) of the costs, including on private land, of constructing legal fences required, at the time of the creation or modification of the district only, to control livestock within the interior of the district; provided that (i) the costs of maintaining such fences shall thereafter be paid by the owner(s) of the land on which the fencing is constructed as prescribed by chapter 1, title 35, Idaho Code, and that (ii) the costs of constructing and maintaining fences on livestock operations which come into existence after the creation or modification of the district shall be paid by owner(s) of the land on which the fencing is constructed as prescribed by chapter 1, title 35, Idaho Code.
(d) Pay seventy-five percent (75%) of the costs, including on private land, of constructing legal cattle guards required, at the time of the creation or modification of the district only, to control livestock within the interior of the district; provided that (i) the costs of maintaining a cattle guard located on a public right-of-way shall thereafter be paid by the state, county, city or highway district responsible for maintaining the public right-of-way on which the cattle guard is located, or, in the case of a cattle guard located on private land, by the owner(s) of the land on which the cattle guard is constructed as prescribed by chapter 1, title 35, Idaho Code, and that (ii) the costs of constructing and maintaining cattle guards on livestock operations which come into existence after the creation or modification of the district shall be paid by the owner(s) of the land on which the cattle guard is constructed as prescribed by chapter 1, title 35, Idaho Code.
(e) In the case of a new herd district created contiguous to an existing herd district, there shall be no obligation to maintain a legal fence or cattle guards on the border between the new district and the existing district, except to the extent that said fence or cattle guards, or any portion thereof, may be required to control movement of livestock on the interior of the district. In the case of a modification of an existing herd district which alters its borders with open range, there shall be no obligation to maintain a legal fence or cattle guards on its previous border with open range, except to the extent that said fence or cattle guards, or any portion thereof, may be required to control movement of livestock on the interior of the district.
(5) In the case of interior fencing and cattle guards as described in subsections (4)(c) and (d), the owner(s) of private land on which such fencing or cattle guards are constructed shall pay twenty-five percent (25%) of the total cost of their construction, provided that the share of that total cost to be paid by each individual landowner shall be as prescribed by chapter 1, title 35, Idaho Code.
(6) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, a county shall have the authority to and shall levy an annual property tax not to exceed six hundredths percent (.06%) of market value for assessment purposes on taxable real property within the district for the costs of constructing and maintaining the legal fencing and cattle guards required by the creation or modification of such a herd district; provided that a herd district created on or after January 1, 1990, shall have no force and effect unless and until such a levy is approved, and provided that the revenues derived therefrom may not be used for any other purpose. Such special levy shall be exempt from the limitation imposed by section 63-923(1), Idaho Code. In the case of a new herd district contiguous to an existing herd district, said levy shall apply, for purposes of constructing legal fences and cattle guards required by the new district, only to owners of taxable real property residing within the new district; but for purposes of maintaining thereafter fences as required on the district's border with open range, shall apply to owners of taxable real property residing within both the new district and the existing district to which it is contiguous.
25-2403. Notice of hearing petition
It shall be the duty of the board of county commissioners, after such petition has been
filed, to set a date for hearing said petition, notice of which hearing shall be given by
posting notices thereof in three (3) conspicuous places in the proposed herd district, and
by publication for two (2) weeks previous to said hearing in a newspaper published in the
county nearest the proposed herd district.
25-2404. Order creating district
At such hearing, if satisfied that a majority of the landowners owning more than fifty
percent (50%) of the land in said proposed herd district who are resident in, and
qualified electors of, the state of Idaho are in favor of the enforcement of the herd law
therein, and that it would be beneficial to such district, the board of commissioners
shall make an order creating such herd district, in accordance with the prayer of the
petition, or with such modifications as it may choose to make. Such order shall specify a
certain time at which it shall take effect, which time shall be at least thirty (30) days
after the making of said order; and said order shall continue in force, according to the
terms thereof, until the same shall be vacated or modified by the board of commissioners,
upon the petition of a majority of the landowners owning more than fifty percent (50%) of
the land in said district who are resident in, and qualified electors of, the state of
Idaho.
25-2405. Fences on agricultural lands adjacent to public domain -- Cattle guards
The board of county commissioners may provide as a condition in any order creating a herd
district which may hereafter be made that any agricultural lands in the proximity of
public domain where cattle, horses or mules are grazed, shall be inclosed by a lawful
fence and that any road extending from agricultural area to such public domain shall
contain cattle guards or gates at such places and of such nature as the board shall
prescribe. The board of county commissioners may make its herd district orders
inapplicable to cattle, horses or mules straying from such public domain or along roads
leading to such public domain until such agricultural lands are inclosed by lawful fence
and such cattle guards or gates are installed.
25-2406. Limitation on powers of commissioners
The provisions of sections 25-2401 and 25-2405 shall not be construed to confer upon the
board of county commissioners any jurisdiction over animals otherwise prohibited from
running at large under existing laws.
25-2407. Violation of commissioners' order -- Civil liability
Any person who shall, in violation of any order made pursuant to the provisions of section
25-2404, Idaho Code, permit or allow any of the animals designated in such order, owned by
him or under his control, to run at large in such herd district, or to be herded on the
said highway, shall be deemed guilty of a civil offense, for which, within a period of one
(1) year, law enforcement officials shall issue a warning on at least the first and second
such offense, and thereafter, for which a civil penalty of not to exceed fifty dollars
($50.00) may be imposed per animal unit in violation, the aggregate of which shall not
exceed five hundred dollars ($500), plus restitution to the owner for any damage to
property. The pendency of any such action shall not prevent nor prejudice the bringing of
another action against the same party for a violation of such order committed after the
commencement of such pending action. For purposes of this section, an animal unit shall be
as defined, at the time of such violation, by federal and state agencies which administer
the grazing of livestock on public lands.
25-2408. Civil liability
The owner of animals permitted or allowed to run at large, or herded in violation of any
order made in accordance with the provisions of section 25-2404, shall be liable to any
person who shall suffer damage from the depredations or trespasses of such animals,
without regard to the condition of his fence; and the person so damaged shall have a lien
upon said animals for the amount of damage done, and the cost of the proceedings to
recover the same, and may take the animals into custody until all such damages are paid:
provided, that the person so taking said animals into custody shall not have the right to
retain the same for more than five (5) days without commencing an action against the owner
thereof for such damages. Said damages may be recovered by a civil action before any court
of competent jurisdiction, and no such action shall be defeated or affected by reason of
any criminal action commenced or prosecuted against the same party under the provisions of
the preceding section.
25-2409. Trespassing animals may be taken up
Any person may take into custody any of the animals specified in the said order of the
board of commissioners that may be about to commit a trepass upon the premises owned,
occupied or in charge of such person, and retain the same until all reasonable charges for
keeping said animals are paid: provided, that it shall be the duty of the person so taking
said animals into custody to notify the owner or person in charge of the same within five
(5) days thereafter, and if the owner or person in charge of them shall not be known to
the person so taking said animals into custody, and cannot be found after diligent search
and inquiry, he may proceed in the manner provided for the taking up and disposal of
estrays.
35-101. Lawful fences in general
A lawful fence, except as hereinafter provided, must be not less than four and one half
feet (4 1/2') high, and the bottom board, rail, pole or wire must not be more than twenty
inches (20") above the ground, and the space between the top and bottom board, rail,
pole or wire must be well divided.
35-102. Lawful fences described
Lawful fences are described as follows:
1. If made of stone, four feet (4') high, two feet (2') base, and one foot (1') thick on
top.
2. If it be a worm fence, the rails must be well laid and at least four feet (4') high.
3. If made of posts, with boards, rails or poles, the posts must be well set in the ground and not more than eight feet (8') apart, with not less than three (3) six-inch (6") boards, or rails, or poles not less than two and one-half inches (2 1/2") in diameter at the small end; if four (4) poles are used, they must not be less than two inches (2") in diameter at the small end. The top board, rail or pole must not be less than four feet (4') from the ground, the spaces well divided, and the boards, rails or poles securely fastened to the posts; if poles not less than three inches (3") in diameter at the small end are used, the posts may be set twelve feet (12') apart.
4. If wire be used in the construction of fences, the posts must not be more than twenty-four feet (24') apart, set substantially in the ground, and three (3) substantial stays must be placed at equal distances between the posts, and all wires must be securely fastened to each post and stay with not less than three (3) barbed wires, or four (4) coiled spring wires of not less than number nine (9) gauge. The bottom wire shall be not more than twenty-one inches (21") from the ground, and the other wires a proper distance apart. The wires must be well stretched and the fence not less than forty-seven inches (47") high. If all woven wire fencing is used, the top and bottom wire must be not less than number nine (9) gauge, or two (2) number thirteen (13) gauge wires twisted together, with intermediate bars not less than twelve inches (12") apart and of not less than number fourteen (14) gauge wire, and the stay wires not more than twelve inches (12") apart, and the top wire not less than forty-seven inches (47") from the ground. If woven wire less in height is used, it must be brought to the height of forty-seven inches (47") by additional barbed wires, or coiled spring wire of not less than number nine (9) gauge, and not more than twelve inches (12") between the wires: provided, that if barbed wire only is used, and the posts are not more than sixteen feet (16') apart, no stays need be used. Provided further that the minimum forty-seven inch (47") fence height specified above may be reduced to forty- two inches (42") for right-of-way fences on the state highway system when mutually agreed by the Idaho director of department of transportation and the director of the Idaho fish and game department as necessary to accommodate big game animals at major migration crossings.
5. If made in whole or in part of brush, ditch, pickets, hedge, or any other materials, the fence, to be lawful, must be equal in strength and capacity to turn stock, to the fence above described.
6. All fences in good repair, of suitable material and of every description, and all creeks, brooks, rivers, sloughs, ponds, bluffs, hills or mountains, that present a suitable obstruction to stock are deemed lawful fences.
35-103. Erection of partition fences
When two (2) or more persons own land adjoining which is inclosed by one (1) fence, and it
becomes necessary for the protection of the rights and interests of one (1) party that a
partition fence be made between them, the other or others, when notified, must proceed to
erect, or cause to be erected, one half (1/2) of such partition fence; said fence to be
erected on, or as near as practicable to, the line of said land. And if, after notice
given in writing, either party fails to erect and complete, within six (6) months time
thereafter, one half ( 1/2) of such fence, the party giving the notice may proceed to
erect the entire partition fence and collect by law one half ( 1/2) the costs of such
fence from the other party, and he has a lien upon the land thus partitioned.
35-104. Care of fences by adjoining owners
Each adjoining land owner, unless both otherwise agree, or unless other arrangements have
heretofore been made, must construct and keep in repair that half of the line fence
between their respective tracts of land which is to his left when he is standing on his
own land facing the other; unless the owner of one (1) of said tracts choose to allow his
land to be uninclosed: provided, that one (1) party may, for his own convenience,
strengthen, or render hog-tight, the whole or any part of said fence by stretching one (1)
or more additional wires thereon or otherwise; in which event the other shall not be
liable for his proportion of the additional cost: provided further, if one (1) of the
parties shall render such fence hog-tight and the other shall at any time use his field
for the pasture of hogs, sheep or goats, without a herder, such other shall become liable
as a joint user or owner, and shall, upon demand of the party building the hog-tight
fence, pay his just proportion thereof. In case viewers are appointed, as provided in
section 35-106, the report of such viewers must be in conformity with this section.
35-105. Use of division fence in making inclosure
When one (1) of such adjoining proprietors has allowed his land to lie uninclosed, and
afterward incloses it, he owes and is indebted to such adjoining owner one half (1/2) the
value of any division fence owned by the other, used by him in forming such inclosure; and
each must thereafter keep one half (1/2) of such fence in repair.
35-106. Disagreement between owners -- Viewers
If adjoining proprietors cannot agree as to the proportion or the particular part of a
division fence to be made, maintained or kept in repair by each respectively, either party
may apply, on five (5) days' notice, to a justice of the peace of the township, if there
be one, if not, to the probate judge, for the appointment of three (3) viewers, who may
examine witnesses on oath, and view the premises and must determine:
1. If the fence is owned by one (1) proprietor, how much the other must pay as his proportion of the value.
2. If the fence or the whole thereof is not built, which part thereof must afterward be built and kept in repair by each. The determination of the viewers must be reduced to writing and signed by them, and filed in the office of the county recorder, and such determination is conclusive upon the parties. If any part of such determination consists in fixing the value of a fence for which one (1) party is to pay the other a proportion also fixed, such proportion must be paid within thirty (30) days after notice of such determination, and if not so paid, may be recovered by action in any court of competent jurisdiction. The viewers are entitled to a fee of three dollars ($3.00) each, one half ( 1/2) to be paid by each proprietor.
35-107. Prohibition against removal
When one (1) party ceases to improve his land, or open his inclosure, he must not take
away any part of the partition fence belonging to him and adjoining the next inclosure, if
the owner or occupant of such adjoining inclosure will, within two (2) months, after the
same is ascertained, pay therefor such sum as is agreed upon by the parties, or, if
failing to agree, then such sum as may be adjudged by viewers as provided in the last
section; nor must such partition fence be removed when by so doing it will expose to
destruction any crops in such inclosures.
35-108. Removal of fence built by mistake
When any person has built, by mistake and in good faith, a fence on the land of another,
such person or his successor in interest may, within one (1) year from the time of
discovering such mistake, go upon the land of such other person and remove such fence,
doing no unnecessary damage thereby.
35-109. Restrictions on occupant's right to remove fence
The occupant or owner of land whereon a fence has been built by mistake, must not throw
down or in any manner disturb such fence during the period which the person who built it
is authorized by section 35-108 to remove it, when by so doing he will expose any crop to
destruction.
35-110. Survey of line
The person building such fence, or the occupant or owner of the land whereon the same is
built, may, upon notice to the other party, whenever doubts arise about the location of
such fence, procure the services of a registered surveyor or engineer to run the division
line between their respective lands, and the line so run is sufficient notice to the party
making the mistake, so as to require him to remove such fence within one (1) year
thereafter.
35-111. Removal of partition fence
In all cases where the inclosures of two (2) or more persons are divided by a partition
fence of any kind, and either of the parties thinks proper to vacate his part of such
inclosure, or to make a lane of passage between such adjoining inclosures, such person is
at liberty to remove his share or part of such partition fence, on giving six (6) months'
notice in writing of such intention to the party owning or occupying the adjoining
inclosure, or to his agent, if such party is not a resident of the county.
35-112. Establishment of gates
In all cases where a partition fence exists between parties, and a gate is established for
passage through their lands, any other person may pass through such gate free, doing no
unnecessary damage, and if any such person leave any such gate open, or does other damage
to the premises, he is liable to the party aggrieved in double damages.
35-301. Careless exposure of barbed wire unlawful
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation, who, having barbed wire or
barbed wire fences, to allow the same to be left down or strewn around on the ground in
such a manner that livestock are liable to be injured thereby: provided, however, that no
person, firm or corporation shall be liable for barbed wires left down or strewn about
where the same are not so exposed that there is danger of injury to animals running at
large.
35-302. Notice to owner
It shall be the duty of any person, sheriff, deputy sheriff, constable or policeman having
knowledge by written notice or otherwise that any said barbed wire or barbed wire fence is
so down or strewn on the ground to give notice either verbally or otherwise to such
person, firm or corporation that said barbed wire or barbed wire fence is so down or
strewn on the ground.
35-303. Owner's liability after notice
Any person, firm or corporation who, after knowing by his own knowledge or by receiving
such notice as provided in section 35-302, shall fail to remove same within ten (10) days
after such notice, shall be subject to the fines contained herein.
35-304. Procedure in case of unknown owner
It shall be the duty of any sheriff, deputy sheriff or constable who by personal knowledge
or otherwise knowing of any barbed wire or barbed wire fence being so strewn or down as
provided in section 35-301, on any ranch or fence which has been abandoned, and the owner
of such fence or ranch is unknown or has left the state so that notice cannot be served on
such person, firm or corporation to take or cause to be taken up, such barbed wire or
barbed wire fence, and sell the same at public auction to the highest bidder and the
proceeds shall go to cover the expense of the removal of said barbed wire or barbed wire
fence, and if there be any money left over from such sale, it shall be turned in to the
county treasurer of the county wherein such fence or ranch is located.
35-305. Penalty
Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall be
deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction thereof shall be fined in any sum not
less than five dollars ($5.00) or more than twenty- five dollars ($25.00), in the
discretion of the court.
Reviewed by AAHS in December 2001.
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