2006 Utah Code - 4-25-14 — Impounded livestock -- Determination and location of owner -- Sale -- Disposition of proceeds -- Notice -- Title of purchaser -- Immunity from liability.

     4-25-14.   Impounded livestock -- Determination and location of owner -- Sale -- Disposition of proceeds -- Notice -- Title of purchaser -- Immunity from liability.
     (1) As used in this section, "impounded livestock" means cattle, calves, horses, mules, sheep, goats, hogs, or domesticated elk seized and retained in legal custody.
     (2) (a) Each county may:
     (i) take physical possession of impounded livestock seized and retained within its boundaries; and
     (ii) attempt to determine the name and location of the impounded livestock's owner.
     (b) The department shall assist a county who requests help in locating the name and location of the owner or other person responsible for the impounded livestock.
     (c) If ownership of the impounded livestock cannot be determined, or, if having determined ownership, neither the county nor the department is able to locate the owner within a reasonable period of time, the impounded livestock, notwithstanding Title 67, Chapter 4a, Unclaimed Property Act, shall be sold at a livestock or other appropriate market, and the proceeds of the sale paid, after the deduction of feed, transportation, and market costs, to the State School Fund created by the Utah Constitution Article X, Section 5, Subsection (1).
     (3) Notice of the intended sale of the impounded livestock must be published:
     (a) at least ten days prior to the date of sale; and
     (b) in a publication with general circulation within the county where the impounded livestock was taken into custody.
     (4) The purchaser of impounded livestock sold under this section shall receive title to the impounded livestock free and clear of all claims of the owner or any person claiming title through the owner.
     (5) If the county complies with the provisions of this section, it is immune from liability for the sale of impounded livestock sold at a livestock or other appropriate market.

Enacted by Chapter 126, 2002 General Session