Wisconsin Statutes 173.21 – Holding animals for cause
Current as of: 2023 | Check for updates
|
Other versions
Terms Used In Wisconsin Statutes 173.21
- Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
- Following: when used by way of reference to any statute section, means the section next following that in which the reference is made. See Wisconsin Statutes 990.01
- Person: includes all partnerships, associations and bodies politic or corporate. See Wisconsin Statutes 990.01
(1) Grounds. A political subdivision may withhold, or direct a person contracting under s. 173.15 (1) to withhold, an animal in custody from an owner who makes an otherwise adequate claim for the animal under s. 173.23 (1) on any of the following grounds:
(a) There are reasonable grounds to believe that the owner has used the animal in a crime under s. 944.18 or ch. 951 or that the animal constitutes evidence of a crime under s. 944.18 or ch. 951.
(b) There are reasonable grounds to believe that the animal poses a significant threat to public health, safety or welfare.
(d) A court has ordered the animal withheld for any reason.
(2) Examination permitted. If an animal is withheld under sub. (1), upon request by the owner, a veterinarian retained by the owner may examine the animal.
(3) Costs. The owner of an animal withheld under sub. (1) is not liable for any costs of custody, care or treatment except as provided by court order.
(4) Return. Except with respect to an animal taken into custody under s. 173.13 (1) (a) 8., a political subdivision or person contracting under s. 173.15 (1) having custody of an animal withheld under sub. (1) shall release the animal to the owner at the direction of the humane officer or law enforcement officer that took custody of the animal if the requirements of s. 173.23 (1) (a) to (c) are satisfied.