Bill > HB1217

This bill establishes a process for individuals who board, pasture, or otherwise care for horses, cattle, or other animals under an agreement with the owner to place a possessory lien on the animal for unpaid charges related to its care and maintenance. A possessory lien means the caregiver can keep possession of the animal. The caregiver must retain possession for up to 30 days, during which time the owner can either pay the charges, agree in writing to an extension, or obtain a court order. If none of these occur after 30 days, the caregiver can proceed with enforcing the lien as allowed by existing law. The bill also outlines a procedure for animal owners to dispute a lien in general district court, requiring a hearing within 10 business days to determine the lien's validity, the reasonableness of the charges, and whether keeping the animal is appropriate. If the court finds the owner has met their obligations and the caregiver unreasonably withheld the animal, it can order the animal's return, set conditions for partial payment or a bond, or award damages if the lien was imposed in bad faith. Crucially, the caregiver must provide written notice of the lien, including the animal's identification and the amount owed, via certified mail to the owner within 10 days of the lien's effective date for it to be enforceable.