LOOSE COWS: Man warned, cited multiple times for livestock on Darke Co. roadway

DARKE COUNTY — A man who has been cited, warned, or convicted nearly 30 times for loose animals has once again been cited for his cattle being in the roadway, according to the Darke County Sheriff’s Office.

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Deputies have been called to the property of 72-year-old Lowell E. Garber, near U.S. 36 and state Route 121, 28 times in the last nine years, connected to loose cattle found in the roadway, Chief Deputy Mark Whittaker said.

Garber has been cited multiple times, including six previous convictions on the charge of animals at large, according to records.

Garber was most recently convicted on the charge of animals at large in December, court records show. His livestock was able to escape in December while he was serving a jail sentence on a previous conviction of animals at large, according to investigators.

The loose cattle found in the road have been responsible for two vehicle crashes in the last two years, according to Whittaker. In both crashes no one suffered any serious injuries.

Investigators said they believe Garber has been negligent in trying to maintain his cattle.

“We do not have this problem with other owners, not to this extent,” Whittaker said.

Deputies warn drivers traveling in rural areas that animals, including wild animals and livestock, could be in the roadway at any time.

“While (drivers) have an expectation that an owner should keep their animals confined, you need to be aware when traveling in rural areas, that not only livestock but deer could be in the roadway,” Whittaker said.

Whittaker suggested drivers use their brights when no oncoming traffic is in view and to wear seat belts to prevent injuries in crashes caused by loose livestock or wild animals in the road.