Utah § 4-25-201 - Possession of estrays -- Determination and location of owner -- Sale -- Disposition of proceeds -- Notice -- Title of purchaser -- Immunity from liability.

Full text of Utah Utah Code § 4-25-201 — Possession of estrays -- Determination and location of owner -- Sale -- Disposition of proceeds -- Notice -- Title of purchaser -- Immunity from liability., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 4-25-201. Possession of estrays -- Determination and location of owner -- Sale -- Disposition of proceeds -- Notice -- Title of purchaser -- Immunity from liability.

Effective 5/3/2023
4-25-201.  Possession of estrays -- Determination and location of owner -- Sale -- Disposition of proceeds -- Notice -- Title of purchaser -- Immunity from liability.
(1)
(a) Except as provided in Section 4-25-202, a county shall:
(i) take physical possession of an estray the county finds within county boundaries;
(ii) attempt to determine the name and location of the estray's owner; and
(iii) contact the local brand inspector.
(b) The department shall assist a county that requests its help in determining the name and location of the owner or other person responsible for the estray.
(c)
(i) Notwithstanding the requirements of Title 67, Chapter 4a, Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act, if the county cannot determine the estray's owner, or, if having determined ownership, neither the county nor the department is able to locate the owner within a reasonable period of time, the estray shall be sold at a livestock or other appropriate market.
(ii) The proceeds of a sale under Subsection (1)(c)(i), less the costs described in Subsection (1)(c)(iii), shall be paid to the county selling the estray.
(iii) The livestock or other market conducting the sale under Subsection (1)(c)(i) may deduct the cost of feed, transportation, and other market costs from the proceeds of the sale.
(2) A county shall publish notice of the sale of an estray within the county where the estray was taken into custody, as a class A notice under Section 63G-30-102, for at least 10 days before the date of the sale.
(3) A purchaser of an estray sold under this section shall receive title to the estray free and clear of all claims of the estray's owner and a person claiming title through the owner.
(4) A county that complies with the provisions of this section is immune from liability for the sale of an estray sold at a livestock or other appropriate market.
(5) Notwithstanding the requirements of Subsection (1)(c), a county may employ a licensed veterinarian to euthanize an estray if the licensed veterinarian determines that the estray's physical condition prevents the estray from being sold.


Amended by Chapter 435, 2023 General Session

Source: official Utah text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 4-25-201

What does Utah Code § 4-25-201 cover?

Section 4-25-201 ("Possession of estrays -- Determination and location of owner -- Sale -- Disposition of proceeds -- Notice -- Title of purchaser -- Immunity from liability.") is part of the Utah Code, the codified statutory law of Utah. 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 Utah § 4-25-201?

A common citation format is "Utah Code § 4-25-201" (Utah). 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 Utah law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Utah official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Utah attorney.

How does Utah § 4-25-201 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Utah 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 Utah.