§ 4.1-75-02 — Estrays - Possession

1. If an individual discovers an estray on property that the individual owns or controls, the
individual shall make a good-faith effort to:
a. Take possession of the estray;
b. Determine its ownership; and
c. Facilitate its return.
2. If the individual is unable to determine its ownership, the individual shall:
a. Notify the sheriff of the county in which the estray was found or the chief brand
inspector, and:
(1) Provide to the sheriff or the chief brand inspector any information that may
assist in determining ownership of the estray;
(2) Make the estray available for examination if requested by the chief brand
inspector; and
(3) Follow the directives of the chief brand inspector regarding the estray's care
and disposal; or
b. Deliver the estray to a livestock auction market in this state or to an out-of-state
livestock auction market that receives brand inspection services under section
4.1-73-24 and notify the brand inspector that it appears to be an estray.
3. Any person failing to comply with this section is liable to the owner of the estray for
treble damages and may not claim reimbursement for any expenses otherwise allowed
under this chapter.