MINDEN, La. — Webster Parish officials are taking steps to protect local livestock following a unanimous vote to amend the parish's fireworks ordinance.
The new amendment prohibits discharging fireworks within 1,000 feet of livestock outside town or village limits without the owner's express consent. The buffer will be measured in a straight line to the nearest location where livestock is present.
Governmental Relations Committee Chairman Jim Bonsall said the goal is to prevent animals from panicking, breaking through fences and wandering onto roads. The ordinance protects a wide range of animals, including horses, cattle, sheep, goats, poultry and any domesticated animal raised for commercial or breeding purposes.
Residents must obtain oral or written consent from the owner before discharging fireworks. Sheriff Jason Parker said deputies have the authority to shut down violators but will not proactively patrol for them.
"We’re not going to be on patrol looking for someone to shut down unless we receive complaints," Parker said. "If we’re called for a specific problem somewhere, we will respond."
Violators face a $250 fine for a first offense. Subsequent offenses within 24 months carry a $500 fine, with a third offense carrying potential jail time of up to 30 days.
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Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.