Oklahoma § 4-85.6 - Sale of unclaimed animals
Full text of Oklahoma Oklahoma Statutes § 4-85.6 — Sale of unclaimed animals, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 4-85.6. Sale of unclaimed animals
A. If a peace officer is unable to determine the owner or
probable owner of any strayed animal from brand records and other
reports of lost, strayed and stolen livestock, the sheriff shall
cause to be published in a newspaper having general circulation in
the county in which the strayed animal has been taken up, a
description of the animal which shall contain sex, age and brand or
brands but shall not contain color, or marks or other descriptive
information. The notice shall be published for two (2) consecutive
weekly issues. If after such publication the sheriff is still
unable to determine the owner, the animal shall be sold by the
sheriff, at either the nearest approved and licensed slaughter
facility or the nearest approved and licensed or federally inspected
livestock auction market from where taken up, inside the State of
Oklahoma.
B. The approved selling firm shall forward by mail to the
sheriff a check for the proceeds and other sales information,
listing a description, sex, weight, selling price per pound and
total sales price less normal and customary marketing fees.
C. The sheriff shall pay to the taker-up of an unclaimed stray
animal the actual cost for keeping it, together with the actual
amount of any damages suffered by the taker-up as a result of the
strayed animal being upon the premises.
D. All remaining money, if any, shall be deposited with the
county treasurer to be held by the treasurer in a special fund from
which payment may be made to a claimant who has been determined by
the district court to be the owner of the stray animal. If not
expended pursuant to court order within one (1) year the funds so
deposited shall be credited to the County General Fund.
Added by Laws 1970, c. 165, § 6. Amended by Laws 1974, c. 29, § 4,
emerg. eff. April 11, 1974; Laws 1997, c. 44, § 2, eff. Nov. 1,
1997; Laws 2000, c. 253, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2000; Laws 2010, c. 377,
§ 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2010.
Oklahoma Statutes - Title 4. Animals
Source: official Oklahoma text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Oklahoma § 4-85.6
What does Oklahoma Statutes § 4-85.6 cover?
Section 4-85.6 ("Sale of unclaimed animals") is part of the Oklahoma Statutes, the codified statutory law of Oklahoma. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Oklahoma § 4-85.6?
A common citation format is "Oklahoma Statutes § 4-85.6" (Oklahoma). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Oklahoma law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Oklahoma official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Oklahoma attorney.
How does Oklahoma § 4-85.6 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Oklahoma can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Oklahoma.