Taber v. Cruthers , 38 N.Y. St. Rep. 331 ( 1891 )

Pratt, J.

There is but little in this case but questions of fact, and those were settled below by findings in favor of the plaintiff. There is no evidence that the fence at the point where the defendant’s cattle got out of his lot was taken dowp or destroyed by the plaintiff. In fact, it does not clearly appear where they cfid get out, although there is some proof that it was at parts of an old stone wall that had been torn down. The fact that a gate had been placed in the fence for the convenience of the plaintiff constituted no defense, without going further, and showing that plaintiff left it open, there being no proof it was not sufficient and secure when it was put up. When the plaintiff had proved a frequent trespassing upon his land by the defendant’s cattle, we think the burden was cast upon the defendant to show he was not in fault, inasmuch as the defendant made no explanation, so far as appears, when notified of various trespasses. Assuming, however, that the cattle went out of defendant’s land through the temporary road and in plaintiff’s land at a point where it was the duty of Haggerty to fence, the defendant would still be liable for permitting his cattle to get into the temporary road. It was defendant’s duty to see that his cattle were restrained upon his own land, and although Haggerty’s negligence may have contributed to the injury, yet the defendant is liable. These trespasses had continued for so long a time to the knowledge of defendant that the duty was cast upon him to either fence against this temporary road or close it entirely, no matter who made the road. In any view, we think the defendant failed to make any valid defense, and the judgment must be affirmed.