173.19 Animals considered unclaimed.
(1) Except as provided in sub. (1m), a political subdivision or person contracting under s. 173.15 (1) may treat any animal taken into custody under s. 173.13 (1) (a) 1. as an unclaimed animal subject to s. 173.23 (1m) if, within 4 days after custody is taken of the animal, it is not claimed by and returned to its owner under s. 173.23 (1).
(1m) Notwithstanding sub. (1), a political subdivision or person contracting under s. 173.15 (1) may not euthanize the animal taken into custody under s. 173.13 (1) (a) 1. before 7 days have elapsed after custody is taken, except to alleviate physical suffering or to protect the safety of shelter staff, volunteers, or the public.
(2) Except as provided in sub. (3), a political subdivision or person contracting under s. 173.15 (1) may treat any animal taken into custody under s. 173.13 (1) (a) 3., 4., or 9. as an unclaimed animal subject to s. 173.23 (1m) if, within 7 days after custody is taken of the animal, it is not claimed by and returned to its owner under s. 173.23 (1), except that an animal taken into custody under s. 173.13 (1) (a) 3. or 4. may not be treated as unclaimed if its owner files a petition under s. 173.22 (1) within 7 days after custody is taken.
(3) If an animal is taken into custody under s. 173.13 (1) (a) 3., 4., or 9. and also taken into custody under s. 173.13 (1) (a) 1., only sub. (1) applies to that animal.
History: 1997 a. 192; 2015 a. 233.
Structure Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations
Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations
Chapter 173 - Animals; humane officers.
173.03 - Appointment of humane officer.
173.05 - Certification required.
173.07 - Powers and duties of humane officers.
173.10 - Investigation of cruelty complaints.
173.11 - Abatement of violations.
173.13 - Taking custody of animals.
173.15 - Provision of care, treatment or disposal services.
173.19 - Animals considered unclaimed.
173.21 - Holding animals for cause.
173.22 - Review of seizure or withholding.
173.23 - Disposition of animals.
173.24 - Reimbursement for expenses.
173.25 - Immunity for euthanizing animals.
173.27 - Duties of the department.
173.41 - Regulation of persons who sell dogs or operate animal shelters.