Louisiana Statewide Rule
Louisiana Livestock at Large on Closed-Range Highways Law
Key Facts
- Statute
- La. R.S. 3:2803
- Default rule
- Open range statewide
- Closed range
- Listed state highways only
- Impound cost
- $20/head + $10/day
- Enforcer
- Dept. of Public Safety
Summary
Louisiana is open range by default, but La. R.S. 3:2803 bars owners from letting cattle, horses, swine, poultry and other livestock roam free on a long list of named state highways, from US 11 near New Orleans to US 71 up to the Arkansas line.
No person owning livestock shall knowingly, willfully, or negligently permit his livestock to go at large upon the following public highways of this state:
Full Breakdown
The statute opens flatly: no person owning livestock may 'knowingly, willfully, or negligently permit his livestock to go at large' on the enumerated public highways, which include stretches of US 11, US 51, US 61, US 65 and US 71. 'Livestock' is defined broadly in R.S. 3:2802 to cover bovine, equine, sheep, goats, swine and poultry, so chickens count. Under R.S. 3:2804 the Department of Public Safety impounds strays found on these routes; owners pay $20 per head plus $10 per animal per day boarding, veterinary and advertising costs to reclaim them.
Violations & Penalties
Livestock found loose on a listed closed-range highway is impounded by state police under R.S. 3:2804; the owner pays a $20-per-head impound fee plus $10 per animal per day boarding, veterinary and advertising costs, and remains civilly liable for any collision damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Louisiana an open-range state?
Does the at-large rule cover chickens?
What happens if my animal gets loose on a listed highway?
Sources
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