Stock roaming fatality was predicted

An animal control officer's prediction that wandering stock would kill someone on Northland's roads has been proven right.

A Far North woman was killed on Wednesday night after the car she was driving struck a horse apparently running straight toward the car in the twilight.

The fatality occurred two years after Whangarei-based animal control officer Keith Thompson told the Northern Advocate that roaming stock was "a real concern and someone will be killed and it's not going to be that far away".

He said the law covering wondering stock was outdated and inadequate.

Kaitaia Police Constable Alison Holdaway said the car was travelling south on State Highway 1F at Ngataki, about 50km north of Kaitaia, when it struck the horse.

Raewyn Ann Everitt, 58, of Te Kao, died at the scene and her body had to be cut free from the car.

Three passengers were taken to Kaitaia Hospital with moderate to minor injuries.

The owner of the horse -- which died at the scene -- was notified, and investigations into the incident are continuing.

Mr Thompson, said animal control staff could "handle" the odd situation where stock flattened a fence and escaped, but got frustrated with people putting stock in fields with inadequate boundary fences.

Under the Impounding Act 1955, stock owners taken to court can be fined no more than $100 for allowing bulls or stallions to wander, and a maximum fine of $50 for all other stock.

Mr Thompson said instant fines were needed -- like in the Dog Control Amendment Act (between $300 and $500 for wandering dogs).

- NORTHERN ADVOCATE (WHANGAREI)