Sec. 18.
(1) A law enforcement officer may return a seized wolf-dog cross to the owner of the wolf-dog cross if the law enforcement officer is satisfied that the conditions resulting in the seizure have been corrected. If the wolf-dog cross was seized pursuant to process issued by a court, the law enforcement officer shall obtain approval of the court before returning the wolf-dog cross.
(2) Unless the wolf-dog cross has been returned, the law enforcement officer shall, within 10 days after the wolf-dog cross is seized, give written notice of the seizure and intent to forfeit the wolf-dog cross to each of the following persons:
(a) The owner of the wolf-dog cross.
(b) Each person with a known ownership interest in the wolf-dog cross.
(c) Any person who was injured or whose property was damaged by the wolf-dog cross.
(3) The notice required under subsection (2) shall be delivered in person or sent by certified mail. If the name and address of the person are not reasonably ascertainable or personal delivery of the notice cannot reasonably be accomplished, the notice shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the wolf-dog cross was seized for 10 successive publishing days. Proof of written notice or publication shall be filed with the court having jurisdiction over the seizure or forfeiture.
(4) The law enforcement officer shall immediately after seizure of the wolf-dog cross notify the prosecuting attorney for the county in which the wolf-dog cross was seized or, if the attorney general is actively handling a case involving or relating to the wolf-dog cross, the attorney general of the seizure of the wolf-dog cross and any intent to forfeit the wolf-dog cross under this act.
History: 2000, Act 246, Imd. Eff. June 29, 2000