A different policy than that which has prevailed would have proven ruinous to the important stock interests of different sections of the State . . . The accident occurred at night and resulted in injury and damage to Plaintiffs. Those in the livestock industry would become virtual insurers, and this would retard and diminish stock raising as an important part of Florida agri-business. A key question is whether a fencing requirement or strict liability will have the greatest effect on protecting the motoring public by keeping the cows off the highway. The answer appears clear.
Cows know little of strict liability but do respect barbed wire.
Chapter 588 requires, inter alia, the fencing of livestock. It defines a legal fence. It requires that livestock be fenced off the public highways. In exchange for these requirements, it holds the owner responsible if he intentionally or negligently allows his livestock to stray upon a public road. This appears a fair exchange.