47-835. Abandonment of animals;
notice to owner; relief from liability for disposal; "abandoned" defined.
(a) Any animal placed in the custody of a licensed veterinarian for treatment,
boarding or other care, which shall be unclaimed by its owner or its owner's
agent for a period of more than ten (10) days after written notice by registered
or certified mail, return receipt requested, is given the owner or the owner's
agent at such person's last known address, shall be deemed to be abandoned
and may be turned over to the nearest humane society, or dog pound or disposed
of as the custodian may deem proper.
(b) The giving of notice to
the owner, or the agent of the owner, of such animal by the licensed veterinarian,
as provided in subsection (a) of this section, shall relieve the licensed
veterinarian and any custodian to whom such animal may be given of any further
liability for disposal. Such procedure by a licensed veterinarian shall
not constitute grounds for disciplining procedure under this act.
(c) For the purpose of this
act, the term "abandoned" shall mean to forsake entirely, or to neglect
or refuse to provide or perform the legal obligations for care and support
of an animal by its owner, or its owner's agent. Such abandonment shall
constitute the relinquishment of all rights and claims by the owner to such
animal.
History: L. 1969, ch. 261, §
22; L. 1980, ch. 155, § 17; July 1.