North Dakota Livestock At Large Law (Herd Law)

Under N.D.C.C. § 36-11-01, no livestock may be permitted to run at large. An owner or possessor who willfully lets livestock roam through failure to maintain a lawful fence (§ 47-26-01) is guilty of a class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $1,500 fine. Section 36-11-01.1 defines livestock as bison, cattle, goats, horses, mules, sheep, and swine: poultry such as chickens is not covered. Trespassing livestock triggers full liability for resulting damage, and the injured party may take up (impound) the animals until damages and costs are paid (§ 36-11-10). Counties may designate open-range grazing areas where limited-liability rules apply (§ 36-11-07).

Willfully permitting livestock to run at large through failure to maintain a lawful fence is a class B misdemeanor. Trespassing animals may be impounded, and the owner is liable for all resulting damages, statutory costs, and a reasonable attorney's fee.