A cattle crisis is nearing boiling point at Thornton, with residents sure that herds of livestock travelling through the suburb from neighbouring rural properties will eventually lead to a serious injury or death.
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Multiple Maitland councillors met on the weekend to discuss the issue, with North Ward Cr Mitchell Griffin among the group.
He said council has received more than 50 complaints regarding the cattle, ranging from frustrations over damage to gardens and lawns and manure being left on the street and yards, to concerns over driving through the area when cattle are on the roads.
“When you’ve got 800 kilogram cattle walking through the streets and kids playing and riding scooters, it can become quite a serious safety situation,” Mr Griffin added.
“It doesn’t take much to spook them.”
Mr Griffin said the issue had been occurring for 10-15 years as suburbs have grown into previously rural land.
Councillors have now proposed council explore whether it’s worth fencing the rural properties immediately and seeking reimbursement later.
“We’ll be seeking public safety first, more than anything,” he said.
Multiple residents contacted The Mercury supporting the move.
“These cows are costing us a lot of money with everything from cleaning up their poo to replacing plants and lawn eaten by them,” one said. “Then there’s the safety issue. These cows are roaming around at all hours of the night, and because they are black you cannot see them until last minute. It’s only a matter of time before someone gets hurt.”
Other residents were less sympathetic.
“This is what happens when you keep building on farm land,” one said.
