Sec. 8. (a) An animal placed in the custody of a veterinarian is considered to be abandoned five (5) days after the veterinarian has given written notice to the individual who delivered the animal to the veterinarian that the animal should be reclaimed by the individual. Written notice must be delivered by certified mail to the place given by the individual as the individual’s mailing address at the time the individual delivered the animal to the veterinarian.

     (b) Abandonment of an animal under this section constitutes the relinquishment of all rights and claims by the owner of the animal. An abandoned animal may be sold or otherwise disposed of as the veterinarian may see fit. The purchaser or recipient of an abandoned animal shall receive full and clear title to the animal.

     (c) The giving of notice as provided in this section relieves the veterinarian and all persons who receive an abandoned animal from the veterinarian of criminal or civil liability.

     (d) The individual who delivered an animal abandoned under this section is liable for all reasonable and customary expenses incurred for diagnosis, treatment, hospitalization, surgery, board, euthanasia, and disposal of the abandoned animal.

[Pre-2008 Title 15 Recodification Citation: 15-5-1.1-33.]

As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.58-2008, SEC.43.