West Virginia § 19-18-2 - 19-18-2. Unclaimed livestock; containment by sheriff; sheriff's sale at public auction.
Full text of West Virginia West Virginia Code § 19-18-2 — 19-18-2. Unclaimed livestock; containment by sheriff; sheriff's sale at public auction., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 19-18-2. 19-18-2. Unclaimed livestock; containment by sheriff; sheriff's sale at public auction.
(a) If the owner of trespassing livestock cannot be determined, or if the trespassing livestock has not been recovered within ten days of notifying the owner, the county sheriff shall take possession of the trespassing livestock.
(b) The county sheriff may return the livestock to its owner and seek reimbursement for containment costs. If attempts to return the livestock to the owner fail, the sheriff may, after publishing notice as a Class I legal advertisement, sell the livestock to the highest bidder at a public livestock auction.
(c) The proceeds of the livestock sale shall be distributed in the following order:
(1) Costs incident to the sale;
(2) Costs of containment incurred by the sheriff and the landowner;
(3) Any remaining amount to the owner of the trespassing livestock; and
(4) If the owner is unknown or does not claim the amount remaining within ninety days, that amount shall be deposited into the county treasury.
Source: official West Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About West Virginia § 19-18-2
What does West Virginia Code § 19-18-2 cover?
Section 19-18-2 ("19-18-2. Unclaimed livestock; containment by sheriff; sheriff's sale at public auction.") is part of the West Virginia Code, the codified statutory law of West Virginia. 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 West Virginia § 19-18-2?
A common citation format is "West Virginia Code § 19-18-2" (West Virginia). 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 West Virginia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the West Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed West Virginia attorney.
How does West Virginia § 19-18-2 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in West Virginia 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 West Virginia.