§ 4-3-5 — Notice of impoundment and sale of livestock

(a) Upon the impounding of any livestock by the sheriff, his deputies, or any other law enforcement officers of the county, the sheriff shall forthwith serve written notice upon the owner, advising such owner of the location or place where the livestock is being held and impounded, the amount due as a result of such impounding, and that unless such livestock is redeemed within three days from that date the livestock shall be offered for sale. In the event the owner of such livestock is unknown or cannot be found, service upon the owner shall be obtained by publishing a notice once in a newspaper of general circulation where the livestock is impounded, Sundays and holidays excluded. If there is no such newspaper then service shall be obtained by posting the notice at the courthouse door and at two other conspicuous places within said county. Such notice shall be in substantially the following form: "To Whom It May Concern: You are hereby notified that the following described livestock (giving full and accurate description of same, including marks and brands) is now impounded at (giving location where livestock is impounded) and the amount due by reason of such impounding is __________________ dollars. The above-described livestock will, unless redeemed within three days from the date of this notice, be offered for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash. __________________ __________________ Date Sheriff of __________________ County, Georgia'' (b) Unless the impounded livestock is redeemed within three days from the date of the notice, the sheriff shall forthwith give notice of sale thereof, which shall be held not less than five days nor more than ten days, excluding Sundays and holidays, from the first publication of the notice of sale. The notice of sale shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where the livestock is impounded, excluding Sundays and holidays, and by posting a copy of such notice at the courthouse door. If there is no such newspaper, then notice shall be given by posting a copy at the courthouse door and at two other conspicuous places in the county. Such notice of sale shall be in substantially the following form: "(Name of owner, if known, otherwise, 'To Whom It May Concern'), you are hereby notified that I will offer for sale and sell at public sale to the highest bidder for cash the following described livestock (giving full and accurate description of each head of livestock) at __________________ __________________ M. (the hours of sale to be between 11:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M. eastern standard time or eastern daylight time, whichever is applicable) on the __________________ day of __________________ at the following place __________________ (which place shall be where the livestock is impounded or at the place provided by the county commissioners for the taking up and keeping of such livestock) to satisfy a claim in the sum of __________________ for fees, expenses for feeding and care, and costs hereof. __________________ __________________ Date Sheriff of __________________ County, Georgia''