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Virginia Code 55-299 - Definition of lawful fence

Virginia Code > Title 55 > Chapter 18 > § 55-299 - Definition of lawful fence


Current as of: 2011

§ 55-299. Definition of lawful fence.

Every fence shall be deemed a lawful fence as to any livestock named in § 55-306, which could not creep through the same, if

(1) Five feet high, including, if the fence be on a mound, the mound to the bottom of the ditch,

(2) Of barbed wire, 42 inches high, consisting of at least four strands of barbed wire, firmly fixed to posts, trees, or other supports substantially set in the ground, spaced no farther than 12 feet apart unless a substantial stay or brace is installed halfway between such posts, trees or other supports to which such wires shall be also fixed,

(3) Of boards, planks, or rails, 42 inches high, consisting of at least three boards firmly attached to posts, trees, or other supports substantially set in the ground,

(4) Three feet high within the limits of any incorporated town whose charter does not prescribe, nor give to the council thereof power of prescribing, what shall constitute a lawful fence within such corporate limits, or

(5) Any fence of any kind whatsoever, except as described in this section, and except in the case of incorporated towns as set forth in subdivision (4), which shall be:

a. At least 42 inches high,

b. Constructed from materials sold for fencing or consisting of systems or devices based on technology generally accepted as appropriate for the confinement or restriction of livestock named in § 55-306, and

c. Installed pursuant to generally acceptable standards so that applicable livestock named in § 55-306 cannot creep through the same.

A cattle guard reasonably sufficient to turn all kinds of livestock shall also be deemed a lawful fence as to any livestock mentioned in § 55-306.

Nothing contained in this section shall affect the right of any such town to regulate or forbid the running at large of cattle and other domestic animals within its corporate limits.

The Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services may adopt rules and regulations regarding lawful fencing consistent with this section to provide greater specificity as to the requirements of lawful fencing. The absence of any such rule or regulation shall not affect the validity or applicability of this section as it relates to what constitutes lawful fencing.

(Code 1950, § 8-869; 1977, c. 624; 2007, c. 574.)

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Questions & Answers: Fences

Can you tell me if there is a height restriction for a barbed wire fence between privately owned properties in Wisconsin, ie Langlade County? Thankyou...
Mike, This would seem to directly conflict with section 90.03 of the Wisconsin Statutes, which mandates shared responsibility for partition fences. http://www.lawserver.com/law/st...
Terry, Check with your local library for a copy of local ordinances regarding fence height. Steve Daily LawServer...
On 44-8-401 Fact:Property well fenced in Grainger Co.severe drought summer 2012,coyotes invaded the property for creek water,donkey scared got out through barb wired,did not cuse a...
Same question, deer and turkey's destroy my fencing, cows get out and police fine me and refuse to help me find who to contact to help with the deer.. ...
Under Alabama law, if livestock is hit on the highway, is the vehicle operator responsible for damages or is the livestock owner responsible? ...

See also:

Virginia Code Title 55 > Chapter 18 - Trespasses; Fences
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