SOUTHWICK – Loose cows and horses have become a real concern for residents on Curtis Road.
Animal Control Officer Tracy Root told the Board of Selectmen Tuesday that a loose cow or sheep on occasion is to be expected in an agricultural community, but that last year she received and responded to 30 calls for loose livestock.
Root said multiple calls were received about livestock from three particular farms, and the Curtis Road area has a problem with roaming cows. Root received four calls to that area in just over a week and asked the Board for help because the town has no allowance for issuing citations for loose animals.
“The state allows for citation for loose livestock,” said Root, adding the cost is $10 per head per incident.
Neighbors of the farm on Curtis Road have complained of damaged lawns and concerns for safety.
“There are hoof prints as deep as six to 10 inches deep on the lawn,” said Root.
Root said one child on the street is afraid to go on her own playset because cows frequently roam into the yard.
Last year a vehicle hit a loose cow and Root said if the car was a few inches over, the driver would likely have died because the cow would have gone through the windshield.
“Somebody’s going to get killed,” she said. “I’m charged with the safety of animals and the safety of people.”
Root said she was not out to get the farmers in town.
“I’m not trying to pick on farmers, I’m trying to keep everyone safe,” she said.
Selectman Russell Fox said the Southwick Agriculture Committee is supposed to serve as the mediator in instances like these. He suggested asking the committee to try to take control.
“One more time, I’d reach out to the Agriculture Committee to approach these three offenders with a stern warning,” said Fox.
Police Chief David Ricardi suggested the committee send letters to the farm owners and Selectmen Chairman Joseph Deedy asked Chief Administrative Officer Karl Stinehart to coordinate a meeting with Root, the Agriculture Committee chairperson, Stinehart, and himself to discuss the situation.
“They need to take a stronger stance,” Deedy said.
