North Dakota Century Code Title 36. Livestock § 36-21.2-06. Law enforcement--Duty upon seizure--Notification

1. Upon seizing an animal as provided for in section 36-21.2-05, the law enforcement officer shall provide care for the animal, either directly or through a contractual arrangement with another person. For purposes of this subsection, “care” means food, water, and shelter from the elements, as appropriate for the species, the breed, and the animal's age and physical condition, and necessary medical attention.

2. In ruling on a petition for an animal's disposition under this section, a court may direct that the animal be sold, placed for adoption, humanely destroyed, or returned to its owner, with or without conditions. If the animal subject to the disposition ruling is a bovine animal, horse, or mule, the law enforcement officer shall provide notice of the ruling to the chief brand inspector. The chief brand inspector shall conduct an ownership inspection of the animal subject to the ruling.

3. The owner of an animal, at any time before a final ruling on the animal's disposition, may request a hearing before the court. If a hearing is requested, the court may not issue a final ruling on the disposition of the animal until the conclusion of the hearing.