California Livestock Fence Law

Every state has specific laws regarding what constitutes a livestock fence and fulfils the stockman's responsibility for keeping the animals properly contained. California law designates some counties as grazing counties. Properties in those counties must be fenced to keep livestock out of any area where the property owner does not want to allow open grazing. In all other parts of California, cattle and other livestock are to be fenced into intended grazing pastures. In either circumstance, California law defines what constitutes a "lawful fence."

  1. Grazing Counties

    • All or parts of the counties of Shasta, Modoc, Lassen, Trinity and Siskiyou are defined as grazing counties, where livestock is allowed to graze at will. This is sometimes referred to as free-range land. Areas where their presence is not wanted must be enclosed by a "good and substantial fence." In all other parts of California livestock must be fenced into pastures and have no right to roam outside that enclosure.

    Lawful Fence

    • California describes a "lawful fence" as one sufficient to prevent livestock from getting in or out of the enclosure. It suggests three-wire barbed wire fence with solid posts set no more than a rod apart. A rod is defined as 16 1/2 feet. The law also defines the top wire of the fence at no less than 4 feet above the ground. Fences constructed of any material that meet or exceed the capacities of the three wire barbed wire fence are allowed.

    Government Fences

    • Fences associated with Caltrans, the California Department of Transportation, right of way are not considered livestock fences. Private fences meeting the livestock fence codes should be constructed within the roadway fences.

    Legal Obligations for Fences and Roads

    • Stockmen are responsible for keeping their animals off public roadways. California law prohibits willful or negligent acts that allow livestock on roads or road right of ways.

    Electric Fences

    • An electrified fence can be a single or multiple strands of wire carrying an electrical current. The wire is supported by posts. The fence is design to discharge the current when contacted by an animal, providing a shock that discourages from trying to escape. The electrical current must be limited by a control unit that meets the standard of Underwriters Laboratories or other certifying agencies.