Pennsylvania § 7159 - Trespassing livestock.
Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 7159 — Trespassing livestock., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 7159. Trespassing livestock.
(a) In general.--An owner or tenant of an enclosed or unenclosed, improved land in this Commonwealth who discovers trespassing livestock shall notify the constable of the township, borough or ward in which the improved land lies. If the constable of the township, borough or ward is unavailable or unable to assist, the owner or tenant shall notify the constable of the county. The following shall apply:
(1) The constable shall impound the livestock either with the owner or tenant of the land if the owner, and the tenant if one exists, agrees or with another individual or entity that the constable may deem best situated to care for the livestock.
(2) All reasonable costs of keeping the livestock shall be part of the costs of care.
(b) Notification.--The owner of the livestock shall be notified in the following manner:
(1) If the owner is known and resides within the county where the trespass has been committed, the constable shall give written notice to the owner that the livestock has been impounded, the location of the livestock and the name of the owner of the land where the livestock trespassed. Notice shall be given within 24 hours of impounding in accordance with the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure.
(2) If the owner is known but does not reside in the county where the trespass has been committed, the constable shall give written notice to the owner that the livestock has been impounded, the location of the livestock and the name of the owner of the land where the livestock trespassed. Notice shall be served within 24 hours of impounding by registered mail.
(c) Payment.--If, within four days of receiving notice, the owner of the trespassing livestock pays for the cost of the damage to the land, the costs of care and the fee for the constable, the livestock shall be returned to the owner within three days after receiving payment.
(d) Refusal.--If the owner fails to pay the costs and fees within four days, the constable shall notify the magisterial district judge of the county where the trespass was committed. The magisterial district judge shall then direct three disinterested owners of land in the locale where the damage occurred to inspect the trespass, value and appraise the damage. The three shall then consider the appraisal, value and costs of care and make a report to the magisterial district judge within five days.
Cross References. Section 7159 is referred to in section 7159.1 of this title.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 7159
What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 7159 cover?
Section 7159 ("Trespassing livestock.") is part of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, the codified statutory law of Pennsylvania. 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 Pennsylvania § 7159?
A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 7159" (Pennsylvania). 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 Pennsylvania law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Pennsylvania official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.
How does Pennsylvania § 7159 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania.