4:20-25. Molestation of gate in partition fence; penalty; damages and impounding of animals
A person who shall stake, shore or leave open or insecure, or cut, break, pull down or destroy or in any way leave a gate, erected as a part of a partition fence as authorized in section 4:20-24 of this Title, so that the horses or cattle of the owner of the adjoining lands may pass through it, shall, for every such offense, be liable to a penalty of five dollars ($5.00), to be recovered with costs by a civil action by any person who shall sue for it.
The offender shall also pay to the owner or tenant of the lands trespassed upon all damages which he or they may have sustained thereby, to be appraised as provided in section 4:20-22 of this Title, which damages shall be recovered by a civil action.
The owner of the trespassing horses, cattle or sheep shall be entitled to protection from injury to such animals as provided in section 4:20-28 of this Title, and shall not be liable to have his animals impounded, or be liable to an action for damages accruing thereby.
Amended by L.1953, c. 5, p. 44, s. 55.