Published on 27 July 2026
HOPEVALE, QLD — Hopevale Shire Council will soon commence a coordinated operation to round up horses wandering at large within the community. This action is being taken to ensure public safety and manage straying livestock effectively.
Captured horses will be taken to a designated holding yard for a three-day identification period. During this time, community members can visit the yard to identify and claim any owned animals.
"Wandering livestock poses a significant safety risk to motorists, pedestrians, and the broader community," said a Hopevale Shire Council Mayor, Cr Bruce Gibson. "Council is taking this necessary action to ensure our streets are safe, while giving owners a clear window to responsibly claim and relocate their animals."
Following the three-day holding period, any remaining, unclaimed horses will be permanently relocated to Normanby Station.
Owners who successfully claim their horses must immediately remove them from the town areas to house them in private locked paddocks. Council reminds residents that keeping livestock within township boundaries must comply with local safety and fencing regulations to prevent future wandering.
Media & Public Enquiries
For any questions regarding the livestock management operation, horse identification, or the recovery process, please contact: