asked the Minister for Energy if his attention has been drawn to the fact that his Department do not accept responsibility for maintenance of forestry fences after a period of time and that on occasions of sheep straying onto forestry property they are impounded and their owner liable for prosecution; and his views on the fairness of such situations.
Written Answers. - Maintenance of Forestry Fences.
97.
I am aware that the Forest Service of my Department only erect and maintain boundary fences for the protection of young tree crops. In fact, there is no obligation in law on the Forest Service, or on any landowner, to fence property in favour of adjoining landowners. It is the responsibility of individual landowners to prevent their stock from straying.
I do not consider the present arrangment to be unfair as they are based upon the legal rights and obligations of the parties concerned.