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2023 Oklahoma Statutes
Title 59. Professions and Occupations
§59-698.16. Abandoned animals.

Universal Citation:
59 OK Stat § 698.16 (2023)
Learn more This media-neutral citation is based on the American Association of Law Libraries Universal Citation Guide and is not necessarily the official citation.
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A. 1. Any animal except domestic animals as such term is defined in Section 85.1 of Title 4 of the Oklahoma Statutes placed in the custody of a licensed veterinarian for services which is abandoned by its owner, the owner’s agent, or any other person for a period of more than three (3) days after written notice is given by registered or certified mail, return receipt, is receipted, refused, unclaimed or by actual hand-delivery to the owner or the owner’s agent at the last-known address of the owner or the owner’s agent, shall be deemed abandoned and may be sold, disposed of in a humane manner by the veterinarian or turned over to the custody of the nearest humane society, or animal shelter.

2. Any animal except domestic animals as such term is defined in Section 85.1 of Title 4 of the Oklahoma Statutes placed in the custody of a licensed veterinarian for, but not limited to, boarding, treatment, or any other care, which is abandoned by an anonymous individual for a period of more than five (5) days, shall be deemed to be abandoned and may be sold, disposed of in a humane manner by the veterinarian or turned over to the custody of the nearest humane society or animal shelter.

B. Any domestic animal as such term is defined by Section 85.1 of Title 4 of the Oklahoma Statutes placed in the custody of a licensed veterinarian for boarding, treatment or any other reason which is abandoned by the owner, the owner’s agent or by an anonymous individual may be disposed of as required for estrays pursuant to Chapter 4 of Title 4 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

C. 1. Compliance with the notice provisions of this section by the licensed veterinarian or the disposal of an animal pursuant to subsection B of this section, as provided in subsection A of this section, shall relieve the licensed veterinarian and any custodian to whom such animal may be given of any further liability for disposal.

2. Such procedure by a licensed veterinarian shall not constitute grounds for disciplining pursuant to the Oklahoma Veterinary Practice Act.

3. Compliance with this section shall relieve the veterinarian from liability for such disposal or sale.

Added by Laws 1971, c. 126, § 16, emerg. eff. May 4, 1971. Amended by Laws 1982, c. 192, § 9, emerg. eff. April 22, 1982; Laws 1990, c. 314, § 15, eff. Sept. 1, 1990; Laws 1999, c. 94, § 19, eff. Nov. 1, 1999; Laws 2005, c. 172, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2005; Laws 2006, c. 72, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2006.

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