Trespassing Animals

Pronunciation: TRES-pass-ing AN-uh-mulz

Torts › Activities & Animals

Definition

Owner strictly liable for reasonably foreseeable damage caused by trespass of livestock or other animals to another's property. No fault required. Applies to domestic animals like cattle, sheep, horses that stray onto neighboring land. Distinguished from strict liability for wild animals. Common law rule based on owner's duty to restrain livestock.

Related terms

• Trespass to Land — Intentional physical invasion of another's real property without permission. Requires only intent to enter the land, not intent…
• Strict Liability — Liability without fault. Defendant is liable regardless of intent or negligence if they engage in certain abnormally dangerous…

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