1. A.

   1. 1. Any animal except domestic animals as such term is defined in Section 85.1 of Title 4 of the Oklahoma Statutes placed in the custody of a licensed veterinarian for boarding, treatment or any other such reason which is abandoned by its owner, the owner's agent, or any other person for a period of more than ten (10) days after written notice, by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, is given to the owner or the owner's agent at the last-known address of the owner or the owner's agent, shall be deemed abandoned and may be sold or turned over to the custody of the nearest humane society, dog pound, or animal shelter in the area for disposal as deemed proper by the humane society, dog pound or animal shelter. If no humane society, dog pound or animal shelter is available in the county, the animal may be disposed of in a humane manner or sold by the licensed veterinarian or the sheriff of the county.
   2. 2. Any animal except domestic animals as such term is defined in Section 85.1 of Title 4 of the Oklahoma Statutes placed in the custody of a licensed veterinarian for, but not limited to, boarding, treatment, or any other care, which is abandoned by an anonymous individual for a period of more than ten (10) days, shall be deemed to be abandoned and may be sold or turned over to the custody of the nearest humane society or dog pound or animal shelter in the area for disposal as deemed proper by the humane society, dog pound or animal shelter. If no humane society, dog pound or animal shelter is available in the county, the animal other than domestic animal may be disposed of in a humane manner or sold by the licensed veterinarian or sheriff of the county.
2. B. Any domestic animal as such term is defined by Section 85.1 of Title 4 of the Oklahoma Statutes placed in the custody of a licensed veterinarian for boarding, treatment or any other reason which is abandoned by the owner, the owner's agent or by an anonymous individual may be disposed of as required for estrays pursuant to Chapter 4 of Title 4 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

3. C.

   1. 1. Compliance with the notice provisions of this section by the licensed veterinarian or the disposal of an animal pursuant to subsection B of this section, as provided in subsection A of this section, shall relieve the licensed veterinarian and any custodian to whom such animal may be given of any further liability for disposal.
   2. 2. Such procedure by a licensed veterinarian shall not constitute grounds for disciplining pursuant to the Oklahoma Veterinary Practice Act.
   3. 3. Compliance with this section shall relieve the veterinarian from liability for such disposal or sale.

Added by Laws 1971, HB 1263, c. 126, § 16, eff. May 4, 1971; Amended by Laws 1982, SB 375, c. 192, § 9, emerg. eff. April 22, 1982; Amended by Laws 1990, SB 664, c. 314, § 15, eff. September 1, 1990; Amended by Laws 1999, HB 1344, c. 94, § 19, eff. November 1, 1999 (superseded document available).