Brazos County voters consider ‘stock laws,’ fining ranchers for roaming livestock

BRAZOS COUNTY, Texas (KBTX) – Early voters in Brazos County are weighing in on two countywide propositions on the ballot in our current election, which could affect rural residents and livestock owners.

Right now, Brazos County is considered open-range, meaning farmers and ranchers don’t have to fence in their livestock.

Tiffany Dowell Lashmet, Texas A&M professor and extension specialist for agriculture law, explained, “They are not liable for damage that the animal causes or like if they get hit by a vehicle.”

As part of the current election, Brazos County voters will decide on two stock laws in propositions A and B. Proposition A would require cattle to be fenced in, and Proposition B applies to all other livestock.

Brazos County voters are asked to consider a two-part proposition requiring livestock to be... — Brazos County voters are asked to consider a two-part proposition requiring livestock to be contained to their owners’ properties.(Brazos County Elections Office)

The Brazos County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) told KBTX deputies are asked to respond to roaming livestock calls often.

“It can be one cow, a bull, a horse, sheep, goat, anything out on the roadway or in someone’s yard,” listed Sergeant Brian Bachmeyer with BCSO.

If the propositions pass, livestock owners will be on the hook if the animals get out or cause damage.

As explained to KBTX violators of the stock law(s) would be fined.

Third-generation rancher and Bryan native, Scott Catalena, is opposed to the measure.

“We need to make sure we don’t forget where we come from,” Catalena implored. “It sounds very logical if you’re not familiar with the way that we live and the way that Texas has traditionally been for a very, very long time.”

These propositions, according to Catalena, put an extra burden on producers, which in turn, becomes a cost that gets passed on down the line to consumers.

Brazos county residents will vote on two stock law propositions that could affect residents... — Brazos county residents will vote on two stock law propositions that could affect residents and livestock owners.(kbtx)

“We all don’t like the beef prices that we see in the grocery store and at restaurants now. Well, it’s this sort of thing that just keeps driving stuff like that up,” warned Catelena.

If either proposition passes, Brazos county said it could go into effect about a month after election day.

KBTX called each county sheriff’s office in the Brazos Valley, and about half of them, including Robertson and Burleson, are open range. Counties with a closed-range stock law include Grimes and Madison counties.

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