OK, but what if the owner wants his animals back?
AB-793/SB-580 includes a provision that allows an owner to file a petition with the court for return of the animal within seven days of the animal being seized. This “7 day” provision is the same as current law for unclaimed animals under ยง173.19. It further requires that a hearing be held within 10 days of the petition, unless the owner asks for a delay. Should he do so, though, the owner would be required to post bond or other security or make payment to the court to cover the anticipated reasonable costs of custody, care, and treatment of the animal. Furthermore, AB-793/SB-580 authorizes the release of an animal to its owner pending the outcome of another court proceeding, if the owner is not alleged to have mistreated the animal and if other specified conditions are met.
