A community researcher says many municipalities have their hands tied when it comes to agriculture and livestock regulations.

Such issues have been brought to light recently in the town of Summerford, where many residents have received removal orders for their livestock.

Nic Fairbridge, who is also a research associate with MUN’s Faculty of Medicine, explains that many communities are being “strangled” by regulations that are out of date, yet they are forced to uphold.

He says most of these situations are complaint driven, and when someone in the community complains about something that isn’t in line with regulations is it the council’s elected duty to act on that.

Fairbridge states that most communities are working with very little guidance and resources, and they are not sure how to proceed.

However, he says it is not as simple as just taking a vote to change the rules.

He says regulations are not the same as a bylaw in that it is governed under provincial legislation. He says changing it would involve community consultation.