11.4.4.090 Investigation and Seizure of Free Roaming Livestock

(a) The Governor shall investigate complaints of free roaming livestock in violation Section 1.5 herein, and seize and impound any and all livestock found on Pueblo lands in violation of Section 1.5. Such impoundment by the Governor is not considered illegal confinement of animals.

(b) If any animal is seized, by an agent of the Pueblo under the provisions of this section, notice of this seizure shall be issued no later than two (2) working days of seizure of the animal(s), provided the owner can be identified. Notice of the seizure shall also be publically posted. Livestock seized pursuant to this resolution shall be boarded at an appropriate location to be determined by the Governor.

(c) No later than five (5) working days of providing notice to the owner or public posting, the owner of impounded livestock shall appear at the Governor's Office to claim said livestock by providing proof of ownership and paying any expenses incurred, including but not limited to, all costs for seizure, impoundment, and care of the livestock and any previously assessed civil fines.

(d) If no owner appears and claims livestock within five (5) working days after notice to the owner or public posting, or if the animal is deemed estray, or if the owner is unable to pay costs, or previously assessed civil fines, the impounded animal(s) shall be deemed forfeited to the Pueblo.

(e) The Pueblo may sell the forfeited animal to recover expenses as described in subsection (c).