Montana Title 76. Land Resources and Use § 76-16-311. Control of trespassing livestock

(1) The state district or its duly authorized agent controlling the land upon which wrongful entry is made by trespassing livestock may take the livestock into its possession and shall reasonably care for the livestock while in its possession and may retain possession of the livestock and have a lien and claim on the livestock as security for payment of damages and reasonable charges for the care of livestock while in its possession.

(2) The state district taking possession of trespassing livestock shall, within 72 hours after taking possession, notify the owner, owners, or person in charge of the livestock by a notice in writing describing the livestock by number of animals and brands on the livestock, if any, the amount of damages claimed to date, and the charge per animal unit per day for caring for and feeding the livestock thereafter. Charges may not exceed $2 per animal unit per day. The notice must generally describe the location where the livestock is held and require the owner or owners, within 10 days after receiving the notice, to take the livestock away after making full payment of all damages and costs.

(3) In case the parties do not agree as to the amount of damages, the state district taking possession of the livestock may at the expense of the owner retain a sufficient number of livestock to cover the amount of damages claimed by the state district. However, the owner may, upon furnishing a sufficient bond, conditioned for the payment to the state district of all sums, including costs that may be recovered by the state district in a civil action to foreclose its lien, have returned to the owner all livestock held. The state district is liable to the owner for any loss or injury to the livestock accruing through the state district's lack of reasonable care.

(4) If the state district taking possession of the livestock fails to recover in a civil action a sum equal to that offered to the state district by the owner of the livestock, the state district shall bear the expense of keeping and feeding the livestock while in its possession. Notice may be given by personal service on the owner, owners, or person in charge of the livestock by sending notice by prepaid registered or certified mail, addressed to that person's last-known place of residence. Service by registered or certified mail is considered complete upon the deposit of the notice in the post office.