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Livestock owners warned

Saturday 28 June 2025 | Written by Teitimoana Tairi | Published in Crime, Environment, Local, National

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Livestock owners warned
Cook Islands Police.

This week, Cook Islands Police met with livestock owners in Rarotonga to ensure they are following protocols related to securing their animals and preventing them from wandering.

Numerous complaints have been received regarding cows, pigs, and other livestock causing property damage, prompting the police to consider further action to address this issue.

Police Media and Strategic Advisor, Trevor Pitt said that cows and pigs are the main livestock subject causing issues to the community.

Wandering cows on the roads could cause danger to which could lead to accidents or other road hazards.

Many residents are facing issues with roaming animals damaging their property, as cows and pigs are eating plants and creating muddy areas.

In Nikao, landowner Aunty Tammy has experienced issues with cows trespassing on her property, resulting in significant damage to the plants she had cultivated.

“I don’t stay there (her land) so I can’t keep an eye on those cows.” Aunty Tammy said.

Members of the community have been vocal about the ongoing problem on the Rarotonga Facebook page, expressing their frustration over the negligence of some animal owners.

Warnings have been issued and those who fail to secure their animals and prevent them from wandering may face prosecution.

According to Pitt, Police have been lenient with these incidents, “This is going to stop.”

He said police have been issuing warnings once a week each month to livestock owners; however, there has been a continuous breach of the law regarding wandering animals.

“Reparations for the damage caused will be part of prosecutions where appropriate.” He added, “Animals must be tethered.  There are penalties.  As mentioned, the Police have been lenient with just warnings but we will be pursuing prosecutions.  Some neighbouring property owners have been irate over the repeated breaches, due to damage caused.”