A horse and a number of cattle were killed in separate incidents at Moree and Narrabri.

Barwon Local Area Command crime manager David Silversides warned of the dangers on country roads including heavy vehicles, slow moving farm machinery, frequently stopping school buses, wildlife and stock

"Unfortunately sometimes storm damage or spooked cattle can still result in stock escaping well maintained fences," Mr Silversides said.

Straying stock are regularly subject of reports made to Barwon LAC.

Police say the issue of straying stock is a complex issue involving many agencies.

Roads & Maritime Services (RMS) maintain the roadways, Livestock Health and Pest Authorities (LHPA) cover from the edge of the road to fenced paddocks however local councils and the Police are also often involved due to crashes.

Owners of stock whether on private land or within the confines of Travelling Stock Routes (TSR) may be subject to fines if stock stray and cause damage or injury as a the result of a crash. Criminal prosecutions are a rarity but is an option dependant on the circumstances.

"Most victims are able to claim damages to their vehicles by way of insurance. Claims are usually covered under public liability policies but insurers are wary of poor fencing,” he said.

Police may assist in facilitating information between the involved parties and the respective insurance companies.

Unfortunately not all cases are open and shut and sometimes proving ownership of the stock involved can be difficult - particularly if the stock can not be examined.

“At the end of the day, it is imperative for motorists to drive to the conditions.

“Whether you are driving in a built up area with pedestrians and high volume traffic or on open roads – being aware of your environment and driving in a manner that is suitable to the environment should be at the forefront of our minds.

“If you notice stock or wildlife near the roadways, reducing your speed will improve your reaction time and shorten the stopping distance – excessive speed in such a situation significantly adds to the risk of injury or even death in the event of a collision.”

Mr Silversides said motorists should always be vigilant of wildlife, but particularly during dawn and dusk when wildlife were most active, and during the night when visibility is poor.