Help! I've found a farm animal. What do I do?

If you find wandering or loose farm animals, you should contact your local council immediately and follow their directions.

If possible, try to contain the loose animal in a nearby paddock or secure yard, and ensure they have access to water. If you do contain the animal, make sure you note their location and pass this information along to your local council. 

If you have time, it can also be very helpful to door knock properties close by to see if anyone owns the animals or can identify their owner.

Some states also have hotlines for specific situations involving farm animals:

Queensland

For displaced cattle, call AgForce on (07) 3236 3100. For all other matters, contact Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.

South Australia

If the animal you found has an NLIS tag in their ear, you can contact the Department of Primary Industries and Regions on 1800 255 556 for assistance in contacting their owners. If the animal does not have an NLIS tag, you are required to call the local council so that they can safely impound the animal. 

Tasmania

If you cannot contact the local council, you should call the Tasmania Police non-emergency number on 13 14 44 to report straying farm animals. 

Northern Territory

It is common for stock to be on the roads in rural and remote Northern Territory, as large properties are often unfenced. There is no need to report stock near or on roads in rural areas of Northern Territory unless they are injured. In the case of injured or obviously unwell farm animals, please contact the local police or the NT Animal Welfare Branch on 1300 720 386.

If you are within a built-up area and come across loose farm animals, contact the local council. 

Western Australia

It is common for stock to be on the roads in rural and remote Western Australia, as large properties are often unfenced. There is no need to report stock near or on roads in rural areas unless they are injured or obviously unwell. For straying farm animals in built-up areas or for injured farm animals on roads, call the local police or local council. 

Introduced, non-domestic species

In all states and territories in Australia, it is illegal to keep or release any animal belonging to a declared invasive species. If you find an injured or baby animal belonging to a declared invasive species, you should take the animal to your closest vet clinic, where it will be humanely euthanised.