Domestic Animals
For many rural residents, owning horses, other livestock, or pets is a priority. To properly manage livestock and maintain the health of the land, you need to find out how many animals your land can sustain and create a regime to prevent overgrazing, which can damage your soils, vegetation, and water holding capacity. Cats and dogs that are allowed to roam may threaten livestock as well as wildlife and can be at risk from wild predators and diseases. Cats should be kept indoors, and dogs should be leashed, fenced in a pen, or under your voice control.
Why is it important to carefully manage pets or livestock?
Domestic animals are not native to North America and their presence alters native habitats and may interfere with native species. Too many horses, cows, goats, or sheep can overgraze your land, destroying its native plant communities and damaging the soil. In the west, if allowed to graze in riparian areas, cattle can destroy the understory and prevent cottonwood regeneration, habitats crucial to many species of birds. If allowed to roam free, dogs may interfere with a neighbor's livestock or threaten native animals. Even well fed house cats are aggressive predators of native birds and other wildlife.
Getting Started: What You Can Do
- Consult with your local cooperative extension agent, conservation district, or USDA service center to determine which livestock might be appropriate for your land and local stocking rates for each type of livestock you may be considering.
- Find out the best grazing regime for your area and property. Create a grazing plan that will minimize habitat and soil destruction. Monitor your pastures and other grazed lands continually to avoid overgrazing.
- Contact your local animal control agency or law department to find out about local pet ownership laws such as anti-roaming ordinances. Make sure your pets are vaccinated, licensed, spayed or neutered, and wearing appropriate identification tags.
- Keep cats indoors.
Helpful Links
Helpful Hint
Contact your local cooperative extension office to see if livestock is appropriate for your property, and for help in determining
appropriate stocking rates and grazing schedules for your property.
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