Tailgate Ranch Field Day Tailgate Ranch Field Day Fence a matter of the law and technique Cattle producers are the primary caretakers of more than a million miles of fence that cross Kansas. Building, maintaining and interpreting the definition of a legal animal enclosure are all part of fence management. According to Allie Devine, KLA Director of Legal Affairs and a speaker at both events, fence law questions are asked frequently by KLA members. Kansas fence law is quite simple. She said producers need to be aware of the consequences if fences are not constructed and maintained properly.
State law serves only as a foundation.
Devine said a legal fence ultimately is defined by county commissioners. Kansas producers are fortunate because the law recognizes they are enclosing animals, which can be unpredictable. Ordinary care means the law was followed and legal fence requirements were met. The question of responsibility regarding partition fences often arises among adjoining landowners. According to Devine, two Kansas attorney general opinions have stated adjacent landowners are responsible for fences bordering their property, whether they are raising livestock or not.