24Contribution where fence destroyed by accident

24 Contribution where fence destroyed by accident

(1)  If any fence or any part thereof is damaged or destroyed by accident or wilfully, the owner of land on either side may, after having given the owner of the adjoining land 7 days' notice, repair the damage or renew any fence so destroyed, and may within 12 months recover half the cost of so doing from the owner of the adjoining land in any court of competent jurisdiction.

(2)  In case any fence is damaged or destroyed by fire or by the falling of any tree, or by stock, the owner through whose neglect, if any, such fire shall have originated or have caused damage or destruction to the fence, or such tree shall have fallen, or by whose stock the fence shall have been damaged or destroyed, shall be the party bound to repair any damage or to renew any fence so destroyed as aforesaid.

(3)  If such party neglects to repair or renew the fence immediately, the adjoining owner may repair or renew the same, and may within 12 months recover the cost of so doing from such party in any court of competent jurisdiction.