§ 76-13-102 — Officer's authority to take possession of an animal -- Lien for care -- Humane destruction.

Utah § 76-13-102

• Jurisdiction: Utah
• Title 76: Utah Criminal Code
• Ch. 76-13: Offenses Involving Cruelty to Animals
• Part 76-13-1: General Provisions

Text

(1) Terms defined in Sections 76-1-101.5 and 76-13-101 apply to this section.
(2) A law enforcement officer may take possession of an animal being treated cruelly and, after reasonable efforts to notify the owner, may provide shelter and care for the animal or, upon permission from the owner, may destroy the animal.
(3) (3)(a) An officer caring for an animal under this section has a lien for the reasonable value of the care provided to the animal and, if applicable, the reasonable value for the destruction of the animal.
(3)(b) A court, upon proof that the owner has been notified at least five days earlier of the lien and amount due, shall order the animal sold at public auction or destroyed.
(4) (4)(a) A law enforcement officer may humanely destroy an animal found suffering past recovery for any useful purpose.
(4)(b) Before destroying the animal under Subsection (4)(a), the officer shall obtain:
(4)(b)(i) the judgment of a veterinarian or of two reputable citizens called by the officer to view the animal in the officer's presence, of the animal's nonrecoverable condition; or
(4)(b)(ii) consent to the destruction from the owner of the animal.

Legislative History

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 173, 2025 General Session