To facilitate the reunification of escaped livestock with their owners, the Sheriff’s Office is building a database of livestock owners across the Lafourche parish.
The sheriff’s office said it receives numerous calls each year about escaped animals, Captain Brennan Matherne said.
“In the Lafourche parish, animal complaints are one of the most popular service calls we receive,” he said. “While some of these complaints only apply to stray cats and dogs, they sometimes affect animals that have become detached from their property and are migrating onto a neighbor’s property and, in some cases, onto busy highways.”
One such highway is La. 3255 in the parish of South Lafourche, a busy road with speed limits of up to 65 mph, Matherne said.
“Our deputies not only have to clear the road of dangers that are dangerous for both the animal and the drivers, but also find out who these animals belong to,” he said. “That is not always easy. But with this database, it’s something we’re building so that when animals are released we can use this tool to better serve citizens. ”
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The database will allow MPs to identify cattle owners in the area, Matherne said.
“Even if it’s not your cattle, you can help us find out where the animals belong,” he said.
Although the database has been in development for a few years, the Sheriff’s Office posted a reminder on Facebook last month that generated mixed reactions.
“Why?” asked a commentator. “That makes no sense.”
“Government interference comes to bayou,” said another person. “That does not concern you.”
Matherne said the database is not used to spy on anyone or collect any fees.
“People are, and should be, careful about giving out information,” he said. “But in this case it’s a local law enforcement agency and we’re just trying to build a database for our own informational purposes. If people fear that we will use this information to tax or bill them, property taxes and other taxes are already doing so. We use this for the benefit of the community. If their cattle get lost, we can find them quickly and return their property more efficiently. ”
Lafourche rancher Lolly Barker said escaped cattle are a challenge for ranchers.
“If you’re not a rancher, you have no idea how bad that could be,” she said. “I understand animals come out, but that’s why we check daily that the fences are intact. Being a farmer-rancher is tough and if you don’t live life you have no idea what it’s about. Everyone wants to be a cowboy until it’s time to be “cowboy up”. And honestly, if the speed limits were respected and people were careful while driving, fewer accidents would happen. Everyone wants to blame the farmers, but if everyone did their part to obey the law, things would be different on the autobahn. ”
Livestock owners are asked to email their names, phone numbers, animals and addresses to [email protected] or to provide the information by calling 532-2808.
– Staff clerk Dan Copp can be reached at 448-7639 or at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @DanVCopp.