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Oregon Statewide Rule

Oregon Livestock at Large: Open Range vs. Livestock Districts (ORS 607)

Light RestrictionsApplies statewide across Oregon (2026)

Key Facts

Default rule
Open range statewide
Covered livestock
Cattle, horses, sheep, goats, swine
District minimum
2,000 acres, one county
First-offense fine
$60 presumptive (Class D)
Intentional violation
Class A misdemeanor
Last verified: July 31, 2026

Summary

Oregon is an open-range state: under ORS 607.005 livestock may lawfully run at large unless voters form a livestock district. Inside a district, ORS 607.045 makes it unlawful to permit cattle, horses, mules, asses, sheep, goats or swine to roam onto another person's land.

No person owning or having the custody, possession or control of an animal of a class of livestock shall permit the animal to run at large or to be herded, pastured or to go upon the land of another in a livestock district in which it is unlawful for such class of livestock to be permitted to run at large.

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Full Breakdown

ORS 607.005(6) defines open range as land where livestock may lawfully run at large, and ORS 607.005(5) defines a livestock district as land where running at large is unlawful. Once petitioners form a district (minimum 2,000 acres, no crossing county lines), ORS 607.045(1) bars owners from letting that class of livestock run at large or go onto another's land. ORS 607.044 imposes civil liability to the landowner for damage. Penalties under ORS 607.992: an unintentional first violation of 607.045 is a Class D violation carrying a presumptive $60 fine, while intentional, knowing or reckless conduct is a Class A misdemeanor.

Violations & Penalties

A non-reckless first offense is a Class D violation with a $60 presumptive fine; intentional, knowing or reckless conduct is a Class A misdemeanor, plus civil liability for damage under ORS 607.044.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Oregon livestock legally roam free?
Yes, on open range. ORS 607.005(6) permits livestock to run at large anywhere not inside a formed livestock district, where ORS 607.045 makes roaming unlawful.
What happens if my cattle stray in a livestock district?
ORS 607.044 makes you civilly liable to the landowner for damage, and ORS 607.992 imposes a Class D violation ($60 presumptive fine) for a first non-reckless offense.
How is a livestock district created?
Landowners petition to designate an area of at least 2,000 acres that does not cross county boundaries, per ORS chapter 607.

Sources

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