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. a. If the owner and the person having custody or control at the time of the seizure are known to the officer, the officer shall: (1) Provide notice of the seizure to the owner and the person having custody or control of the animal; and (2) Petition the court for an order directing the animal's disposition. b. If the animal's owner is not known to the law enforcement officer, the officer shall publish notice of the animal's seizure in the official newspaper of the county and indicate that if the owner does not claim the animal within five days, the animal will be sold, placed for adoption, or humanely destroyed, at the direction of the law enforcement officer. (1) If the owner does not claim the animal within five days, as required by this subdivision, the law enforcement officer shall sell the animal, place the animal for adoption, or provide for its humane destruction. (2) If the owner is identified within the five-day period, the law enforcement officer shall petition the court for an order directing the animal's disposition. 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
Citation: N.D. Cent. Code Ann. § 36-21.2-06.