173.23 Disposition of animals.

443 words·~2 min read·/wi/chapter-173/173-23-2

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

(1)Claim and return. Except as provided in sub.

(4)or s. 173.21

(1), a political subdivision or person contracting under s. 173.15

(1)shall return an animal described in s. 173.13

(a)1. , 3. , 4. , 6. , 8. or 9. to its owner upon the happening of all of the following:

(a)The owner claims the animal and provides reasonable evidence of ownership.

(b)If licensure is required by statute or ordinance, the animal is licensed or assurance of licensure by prepayment is given.

(c)If vaccination is required by statute or ordinance, the animal is vaccinated or assurance of vaccination by prepayment is given.

(d)All charges for custody, care, vaccination and treatment are paid.

(1m)Unclaimed animals. A political subdivision or a person contracting under s. 173.15

(1)that has custody of an animal considered unclaimed under sub.

(a)3. ,

(c), or

(6)or s. 173.13

(c), 173.19 , or 173.22

(d)2. or

(f)or an unwanted animal may do any of the following:

(a)Release the animal to any person other than the owner if all of the following apply:

1. The person provides his or her name and address.

2. If licensure is required by statute or ordinance, the animal is licensed or assurance of licensure is given by evidence of prepayment.

3. If vaccination is required by statute or ordinance, the animal is vaccinated or assurance of vaccination is given by evidence of prepayment.

4. Any charges imposed by the political subdivision or person contracting under s. 173.15

(1)for custody, care, vaccination and treatment are paid or waived.

(b)If the animal is not a dog or cat, sell the animal at public auction, including sale at a licensed animal market.

(c)Euthanize the animal.

(d)If the animal is a stray or abandoned dog, release the dog under s. 174.13 .

(1s)Proceeds of sale. If the owner of an animal sold under sub.

(b)files a claim and provides proof of ownership within 30 days after the sale, the sale proceeds, less the cost of custody, care, treatment and sale, shall be returned to the owner.

(2)Animals not returned to owner. If an animal in the custody of a political subdivision, other than an animal to which sub.

(1m)applies, is not returned to the owner under sub.

(1)or

(b)or s. 173.21

(4)or 173.22 or disposed of under sub.

(4)or

(a), it shall be disposed of under a court order under sub.

(3)or s. 951.18

(4).