Wisconsin § 173.19 - Animals considered unclaimed.
Full text of Wisconsin Wisconsin Statutes § 173.19 — Animals considered unclaimed., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 173.19. Animals considered unclaimed.
173.19(1) (1) Except as provided in sub. (1m) , a political subdivision or person contracting under s. 173.15 (1) may treat any animal taken into custody under s. 173.13 (1) (a) 1. as an unclaimed animal subject to s. 173.23 (1m) if, within 4 days after custody is taken of the animal, it is not claimed by and returned to its owner under s. 173.23 (1) . 173.19(1m) (1m) Notwithstanding sub. (1) , a political subdivision or person contracting under s. 173.15 (1) may not euthanize the animal taken into custody under s. 173.13 (1) (a) 1. before 7 days have elapsed after custody is taken, except to alleviate physical suffering or to protect the safety of shelter staff, volunteers, or the public. 173.19(2) (2) Except as provided in sub. (3) , a political subdivision or person contracting under s. 173.15 (1) may treat any animal taken into custody under s. 173.13 (1) (a) 3. , 4. , or 9. as an unclaimed animal subject to s. 173.23 (1m) if, within 7 days after custody is taken of the animal, it is not claimed by and returned to its owner under s. 173.23 (1) , except that an animal taken into custody under s. 173.13 (1) (a) 3. or 4. may not be treated as unclaimed if its owner files a petition under s. 173.22 (1) within 7 days after custody is taken. 173.19(3) (3) If an animal is taken into custody under s. 173.13 (1) (a) 3. , 4. , or 9. and also taken into custody under s. 173.13 (1) (a) 1. , only sub. (1) applies to that animal. 173.19 History History: 1997 a. 192 ; 2015 a. 233 .
Frequently Asked Questions About Wisconsin § 173.19
What does Wisconsin Statutes § 173.19 cover?
Section 173.19 ("Animals considered unclaimed.") is part of the Wisconsin Statutes, the codified statutory law of Wisconsin. 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 Wisconsin § 173.19?
A common citation format is "Wisconsin Statutes § 173.19" (Wisconsin). 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 Wisconsin law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Wisconsin official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Wisconsin attorney.
How does Wisconsin § 173.19 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin.