Montana Title 81. Livestock § 81-10-102. Horse owner amnesty for horse transferred to department --fees

(1) A horse owner who is unable to provide food and water of sufficient quantity and quality to sustain the animal's health may surrender ownership of a horse to the department at:

(2) The owner shall pay to the department a fee to be set by rule by the department.

(3) Except as provided in subsections (4) and (5), the department shall sell the horse at a public auction.

(4) A licensed veterinarian may euthanize a horse if the veterinarian determines it to be medically necessary after an inspection of the horse.

(5) The department may allow a surrendered horse to be adopted if a suitable placement can be made and after payment of:

(6) The fees imposed and the proceeds collected under subsections (2), (3), and (5) must be deposited in the special revenue account provided for in 81-10-103.

(7) A person surrendering a horse to the department under the provisions of this section may not be charged with or prosecuted for cruelty toward animals pursuant to 45-8-211 or 45-8-217.