Seizure of Estrays by Private Persons: Lien; Reimbursement

(a) Notwithstanding § 61505, any person finding any estray upon premises in his possession, or upon highways and streets adjacent thereto, may seize such estray and shall have a lien thereon for all costs incurred in seizing, keeping and caring for such estray and also for any damages in, on, or to such person’s premises or other property caused by such estray. (b) Any person seizing and securing an estray, pursuant to this Section, shall notify the Department of Agriculture or the Mayor of the Municipality within twenty-four (24) hours; provided, however, that weekends and government-recognized holidays shall not count toward the twenty-four (24) hour notification period. Notification transmitted by electronic mail on a weekend or government-recognized holiday shall constitute sufficient notice for purposes of this Subsection. (c) The Department of Agriculture may reimburse municipalities, custodial caretakers, and private persons from the Estray Livestock Stewardship and Enforcement Fund for approved reasonable expenses incurred pursuant to this Article. (d) Reimbursement under this Section shall not extinguish the government’s right to pursue recovery of costs, fees, penalties, or damages from the owner of the estray. SOURCE: GC § 12185; amended by P.L. 11-68, P.L. 38-143:5 (Oct. 13, 2026). 2026 NOTE: P.L. 38-143:13 states: “The Department of Agriculture shall promulgate all rules and regulations necessary to implement this Act no later than one-hundred eighty (180) days following enactment. Pending the promulgation of rules and regulations, the Department may establish interim policies and procedures consistent with this Act.”