Town Pound

Every town had their shepherds and cowherds to overlook the well being of the animals. Strays were a constant problem. On May 16, 1662, the responsibility was placed upon the owners of the land for damage made by stray animals:

"if appearing to be sufficiently fenced against swine, and sufficiently yoked and ringed, or cows and such cattle will be restrained by a sufficient fence, in the judgment of the viewers of fences, in all such cases the owners of the fence or of the land shall bear all such damages as to them thereby sustained".

In most cases the fences used were made of stones, topped by cross rails, usually of cedar wood.

The stray animals were impounded when found by either another farmer or the town appointed warden. In order for the owner to get his animal back, had to pay a fee.

If the animal was not claimed from the pound, the town crier publicly announced its description, if still unclaimed, the animal was sold and half of the value went to the Colony and the other half went to the person who found the animal.

If a swine was caught by an Indian, it was usually killed and sold back to the English. In May of 1672, the Court ordered that all Englishmen mark their swine with specific ear cuts. All Indians who sold pork to the English had to also provide the ears.