§34-29-86. Disposition of abandoned animals; notice to owner or agent; financial liability of owner or agent.

(a) Any animal placed in the custody of a licensed veterinarian for the treatment, boarding, or other care which shall be unclaimed by its owner or his or her agent for a period of more than 10 days after written notice by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, to the owner or his or her agent at his or her last known address shall be deemed to be abandoned and may be turned over to the nearest humane society or dog pound or sold to collect the lien pursuant to Sections 35-11-390 and 35-11-391.

(b) The giving of notice to the owner or the agent of the owner of the animal by the licensed veterinarian as provided in subsection (a) shall relieve the licensed veterinarian and custodian to whom the animal may be given of any further liability for disposal.

(c) For the purpose of this article, the term abandoned shall mean to forsake entirely, to neglect, or refuse to provide or perform the legal obligations for care and support of an animal by its owner or his or her agent. The abandonment shall constitute the relinquishment of all his or her rights and claims by the owner to the animal.

(d) The disposal of an abandoned animal shall not relieve the owner or agent thereof of any financial obligation incurred for treatment, boarding, or care by the veterinarian.

(Acts 1986, No. 86-500, p. 956, §27; Acts 1997, No. 97-249, p. 431, §1.)