Liability for Guinea collisions

[WeekendFarmerGirl]

We have 25 guineas and fortunately there have been no collisions but i'm concernced because they frequently cross the road in front of our house and are not the brightest of creatures. are we liable if an accident is caused because they are free-ranging? once their circuit is established i don't believe there is a way to change it and i dont want to be exposed to liability because someone doing 65-70 mph on a 45 mph road slams on their brakes to avoid hitting one of my guineas and subsequently wrecks. any thoughts are appreciated

 

[LarryPQ]

Hmmm. Most places have "fowl at large" laws in their municipal code. These laws say the fowl must be contained at all times, and restricted from public property.

So...depending on your municode, you could be SOL.

 

[racuda]

If someone hits your dog and it damages their car then you are liable. I would expect the same liability for any animal owned by you.

 

[cgmccary]

i dont want to be exposed to liability because someone doing 65-70 mph on a 45 mph road slams on their brakes to avoid hitting one of my guineas and subsequently wrecks

No. They would be contributorily negligent & in most places, this would bar any recovery on their part.

Most places have "fowl at large" laws in their municipal code.

Well, this of course, all depends on where you reside. Some municipalities don't even allow fowl of any kind to be kept at all, which is why I moved. Since I now don't live in any municipality, there are no such laws for me (or for most anyone who lives in the country). In fact, there is a law in Alabama that if a car hits your livestock, say a cow or horse that is running loose, the owner of the livestock is NOT liable.

I've never heard of anyone getting sued because their Guineas caused a wreck. I have heard of lots of folks losing all their Guineas to cars. i.e. Don't worry about it.​