Some states are “open range” or a “fence out” states, meaning that a livestock owner does not have a legal duty to prevent animals from getting onto the roadway. But some state legislatures have enacted statutes known as "stock laws" that modify the common law (rules contained in court opinions written by judges) and prohibit owners from allowing animals to run at large.
Oklahoma is traditionally an 'open range' state, which means that livestock owners are not required to fence in their animals to prevent them from wandering onto roadways. However, Oklahoma has modified this common law approach with 'stock laws' that require owners in certain areas to prevent their animals from running at large. These laws vary by county, as counties in Oklahoma have the authority to adopt stock laws through a vote of the residents. Once a county adopts such a law, livestock owners within that county are required to fence in their animals or otherwise prevent them from roaming freely. Failure to comply with these laws can result in the owner being liable for damages caused by their animals on public roadways. It is important for livestock owners in Oklahoma to be aware of the specific regulations in their county to ensure compliance with local stock laws.