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.