(1) Upon receipt of the information from any authorized stock inspector of the killing or wounding of any animal by any railroad company or by its engine, cars, or trains, it is the duty of the secretary of the state board of stock inspection commissioners to notify the owner of said animal so killed or injured, informing him of the facts and the estimated value placed upon said animal by the stock inspector, and he shall also send a copy of this report to the claim agent or other authorized official of the railway company responsible for said killing or injuring.
(2) Should the secretary be unable to determine from the description furnished by the stock inspector the owner or probable owner of such animal so killed or injured, he shall cause an advertisement to be placed in a newspaper published in the county where said killing or wounding occurred, describing the animal so killed or injured, giving the marks or brands appearing on said animal, if any, and notifying the owner to appear within six months of the date of such killing or injuring and make claim for said animal. Said advertisement shall appear for two consecutive weeks. The cost of such advertisement shall be paid out of the brand inspection fund of the state board of stock inspection commissioners and shall be deducted from the amount of damages that may be awarded against the railway company or corporation. Should no claim be made for any animal so advertised, the cost of such advertising shall be paid by the railroad company responsible for such killing or injuring and shall be deposited in the brand inspection fund of said board.
Source: L. 11: p. 404, § 7. C.L. § 2869. CSA: C. 139, § 55. CRS 53: § 116-8-8. C.R.S. 1963: § 116-8-8. L. 2002: (2) amended, p. 1007, § 4, effective August 7.