2009 California Food and Agricultural Code - Section 17041-17045 :: Article 2. Taker-up Of Estrays

17041.  Except as provided in Article 5 (commencing with Section
17121) of this chapter, any person that finds any estray domestic
animal upon his premises, or upon premises to which he has the right
of possession, or upon any highway which is adjacent to such
premises, may take up the animal and have a lien for all expenses
which are incurred in taking up, keeping, and caring for it.

17042.  Any person that takes up an estray animal shall confine it
in a secure place, and shall immediately file with the secretary a
notice containing all of the following:
   (a) A description of the animal seized.
   (b) The marks and brands, if any.
   (c) The probable value of the animal.
   (d) A statement of the date and place where it was taken up and
confined.

17043.  The taker-up of an estray animal shall use reasonable care
to preserve it from injury. If it dies or escapes from the taker-up
at any time while he is holding it pursuant to this chapter, the
taker-up shall not be held liable in any manner therefor.

17044.  The taker-up is entitled to the sum prescribed by Section
17095 for the keeping and care of the estray animal.

17045.  Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, it is unlawful
for any person to remove any animal from the possession of the
taker-up.