(a) Whenever twenty-five percent (25%) of the qualified electors of three (3) or more townships in any county in this state, as shown by the election returns for Governor at the last general election preceding the date of the petition, shall petition the county court for the privilege of voting on the question of restraining horses, mules, asses, cattle, goats, swine, and sheep, or any two (2) or more of these animals or the male species of them, from running at large, the court shall make an order for an election in the townships to be held at any general or special election for state or county officers.
(b) If petitioners file with their petition proper bond to be approved by the court conditioned to pay all the cost and expense of a special election, the court may call an election in accordance with § 7-11-201 et seq. at any time upon the filing of the petition by giving notice of it as provided by law for general elections if the petition contains twenty-five percent (25%) of the qualified electors residing within each township mentioned in the petition.