Animal Crime Victim Amendments

Seized animals get care; owners face costs

Beginning May 6, 2026, Utah peace and animal control officers can seize animals involved in specified animal-abuse offenses. Officers must make reasonable efforts to notify owners and provide shelter and care. With owner permission, officers can destroy an animal or place it with an eligible person or animal-care organization. Individual recipients cannot live with the owner. Officers gain a lien—a legal claim against the animal—for reasonable care costs and, when applicable, destruction costs. For unpaid liens, courts can order public auction, destruction, or ownership transfer after notice at least five days before payment is due. This applies only when the owner has not voluntarily given up ownership. Ownership recipients must sign an agreement to provide food, water, and shelter suited to the animal's species, age, and condition. They must bar the former owner from possessing, caring for, or interacting with the animal, but may resell or otherwise dispose of it humanely. Officers can also humanely destroy animals suffering beyond recovery for any useful purpose. This requires owner consent, a veterinarian's judgment, or agreement from two reputable citizens who view the animal with the officer.