Keep yourself and others safe
If you find a loose or wandering farm animal, first make sure you're not putting yourself or other road users at risk.
If it's safe to do so, approach the animal slowly and calmly. Many farm animals will move towards a familiar paddock or area with gentle pressure, so you may be able to guide them somewhere secure.
Be especially mindful of traffic, blind corners and other hazards. Don't put yourself or anyone else in danger trying to move or contain an animal.
If the animal is safely contained, you can provide water while you work out where they belong.
Check nearby properties
If there's a nearby house or property, try checking there first.
Local residents will often know where escaped stock has come from or may know who keeps that type of animal in the area. If the guardian can be identified, you or the local resident may be able to contact them directly.
If you can't find the guardian
Who to contact next depends on where you are and the type of animal you've found. Council, livestock, police and biosecurity pathways vary between states and territories.
Find a State Hotline below:
Queensland
For displaced cattle, call AgForce on (07) 3236 3100. For all other matters, contact Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.
South Australia
If the animal you found has an NLIS tag in their ear, you can contact the Department of Primary Industries and Regions on 1800 255 556 for assistance in contacting their owners. If the animal does not have an NLIS tag, you are required to call the local council so that they can safely impound the animal.
Tasmania
If you cannot contact the local council, you should call the Tasmania Police non-emergency number on 13 14 44 to report straying farm animals.
Northern Territory
It is common for stock to be on the roads in rural and remote Northern Territory, as large properties are often unfenced. There is no need to report stock near or on roads in rural areas of Northern Territory unless they are injured. In the case of injured or obviously unwell farm animals, please contact the local police or the NT Animal Welfare Branch on 1300 720 386.
If you are within a built-up area and come across loose farm animals, contact the local council.
Western Australia
It is common for stock to be on the roads in rural and remote Western Australia, as large properties are often unfenced. There is no need to report stock near or on roads in rural areas unless they are injured or obviously unwell. For straying farm animals in built-up areas or for injured farm animals on roads, call the local police or local council.
Introduced, non-domestic species
Rules for introduced and invasive animals vary by species and jurisdiction. Don't keep, move or release an animal you think may be regulated until you have checked the requirements that apply in your state or territory. Contact the relevant biosecurity authority for advice.
Image: Rosie, Farm Animal Rescue