Utah § 4-25-205 - Owner liable for trespass of animals -- Exception -- Intervention by county representative.

Full text of Utah Utah Code § 4-25-205 — Owner liable for trespass of animals -- Exception -- Intervention by county representative., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 4-25-205. Owner liable for trespass of animals -- Exception -- Intervention by county representative.

Effective 7/1/2017
4-25-205.  Owner liable for trespass of animals -- Exception -- Intervention by county representative.
(1) The owner of any cattle, horse, ass, mule, sheep, goat, or swine that trespasses upon the premises of another person, except in cases where the premises are not enclosed by a lawful fence in a county or municipality that has adopted a fence ordinance, is liable in a civil action to the owner or occupant of the premises for any damage inflicted by the trespass.
(2) A county representative may intervene to remove the animal and the county is entitled to fair compensation for costs incurred. If the animal is not claimed within 10 days after written notification is sent to the animal's owner, a county representative may sell the animal to cover costs incurred.
(3) Notwithstanding Subsections (1) and (2), the owner of any cattle, horse, ass, mule, sheep, goat, or swine that trespasses upon the premises of another person is not liable in a civil action to the owner or occupant of the premises for damage inflicted by the trespass if:
(a) the animal enters the premises from an historic livestock trail, as defined in Section 57-13b-102; and
(b) the premises that was trespassed is not enclosed by an adequate fence at the time the trespass occurs.


Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 345, 2017 General Session

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 4-25-205

What does Utah Code § 4-25-205 cover?

Section 4-25-205 ("Owner liable for trespass of animals -- Exception -- Intervention by county representative.") 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 § 4-25-205?

A common citation format is "Utah Code § 4-25-205" (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 § 4-25-205 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.