Murewa Rural District Council (Control of Livestock) By-laws, 2025

These by-laws regulate the buying, selling and movement of livestock in the Murewa Rural District Council area, made under section 90 of the Rural District Councils Act.

Commercial buying and selling of livestock is prohibited without a council permit, and otherwise than at a sale organised by the council. At every livestock sale, whether privately or council organised, a cattle levy of 10 per cent of the price of each animal is collected from the buyer and distributed as the council determines.

Movement is controlled. Livestock may not be moved into, out of or within the council area without clearance from the police and the veterinary office, and the veterinary office may not be approached without a supporting letter from the council. Where cattle are being moved out of the area for slaughter, the council's letter must come first. The council may refuse the letter where the removal appears designed to avoid levies or marketing fees.

Stray stock must be dealt with under the Stock Trespass Act, is impounded by the council, and unclaimed animals are auctioned under that Act.

Fees and penalties are stated in US dollars but payable in local currency at the prevailing interbank rate. A permit to buy, sell or de-pasture livestock costs US$250. A movement support letter costs US$3 per small animal and US$5 per large animal. Moving livestock without a supporting letter costs US$10 per animal; claiming impounded stock costs US$5 per animal per day; dehorning or castrating held stray stock without reporting to the poundmaster costs US$100; livestock found in service or business areas, or moved on the hoof on roads or council land, costs US$5 per animal.