Are local authorities permitted to capture stray livestock and issue summonses or fines to their owners?

Summary

Local authorities are permitted to capture livestock roaming freely and to summon or fine owners who let them stray. The ruling rests on public interest and the principle that a ruler's actions toward the people must be tied to maslahah, since livestock on roads can cause accidents, loss of life and property damage. The fatwa also recommends issuing prior notice before capture, and suggests options such as grazing farms or negotiating with owners to slaughter the animals.

Written in our own words from the original fatwa — check the source before acting on it.