Stray Livestock Roaming at Large

By Alicia Sopatyk, PAg, Provincial Livestock Specialist-Traceability, Tisdale

August 2025

Livestock typically leave the farm on some variation of a truck and trailer. However, they may also unknowingly leave on their own accord, becoming stray and running at large. While some neighbours may alert the livestock owner to the situation, not all neighbours may know what to do, who to contact or feel comfortable containing the livestock for the owner to retrieve. This article outlines the requirements and processes for handling stray livestock in Saskatchewan.

This summary is not a substitute for the legislation. For complete details, refer to The Animal Production Act and The Animal Production Regulations. These regulations apply to the following species: cattle, horses, bison, alpacas, llamas, sheep, goats, donkeys, ostriches, emus, hogs, game farm animals, fur farm animals and farmed wild boar. They do not apply to stray pets (such as cats and dogs), insects, poultry, fowl or wildlife.

A stray is defined as an animal unlawfully running at large or an animal found outside its owner’s fence or enclosure and on public or private property without permission. If a stray is running at large, the owner is required to take immediate action to capture the animal as soon as they know it is at large. If the stray is a domestic game farm animal, fur farm animal or farmed wild boar, the owner must also immediately report the escape to their Game Farm Inspector. If the stray is restrained by a finder or brought into the care of the municipality, the owner is required to pay any applicable fees as outlined in Table 5 of the regulations, provide a declaration of ownership and retrieve the animal.

Anyone may see a stray but not everyone may be comfortable restraining them; personal safety is of utmost importance. The Trespass to Property Act also applies if the stray is not on your own personal property. The regulations define a finder as a person who restrains a stray and the restraint must be done in accordance with the Act and regulations and The Animal Protection Act, 2018, The Animal Health Act, and the relevant Codes of Practice. Harbouring a stray is also an offence and liability provisions are set out in the legislation.

If you restrain a stray, immediately notify the owner and provide them with an itemized statement of costs claimed, if any, in accordance with Table 5 of the regulations. If the owner does not pay the costs or retrieve the animal within 24 hours after notification, notify the local municipality. If, after 24 hours of restraint, the owner is not known or cannot be notified, also notify the local municipality. If the municipality is closed, contact local law enforcement and notify the municipality when they reopen. In many instances neighbours may choose not to charge for restraining and caring for the animal(s) for a short period of time. In addition, damages to property are not a cost listed in Table 5 but can be pursued through consultation with a lawyer.

The steps taken by the municipality to address stray livestock will depend on if the owner is known or not and if the animal is considered dangerous. The owner is subject to the municipal process and liable for additional fees as outlined in the legislation. After being notified of a stray, the municipality will make arrangements with the finder to transfer care of the animal to the municipality’s pound, or, if agreeable, come to an agreement with the finder to act as the temporary pound and poundkeeper. If the latter occurs, the agreement should be in writing, with clear expectations from both parties. If the owner is unknown, the municipality must make reasonable inquiries to locate the owner and receive a declaration of ownership to confirm ownership. If the owner remains unknown or unwilling to pay fees or retrieve the animal, the municipality may proceed with the sale of the animal in accordance with the regulations.

Livestock owners are required to construct and maintain fences or enclosures that prevent animals from running at large. And while livestock producers do their best to contain their animals, animals may become stray. There are legally required steps to take when addressing stray animals. Whether you’re an animal owner, neighbour, or municipality, responding to a stray animal sighting supports livestock producers, animal and public safety. Full details on how to respond to a stray animal situation, associated liabilities and dangerous and valueless animal provisions can be found in the Act and regulations. Additionally, The Stray Animals Guide has been developed to help livestock producers, municipalities and the public know what to do when farmed animals become stray.