reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 169 - Captive wildlife. › 169.21 - Dog trial licenses.

169.21
Dog trial licenses.
(1)
Bird dog trial license.
(a)
The department shall issue a bird dog trial license to any person who files a proper application and who pays the applicable fee.
(b)
A bird dog trial license authorizes the holder of the license to purchase, possess, release into the wild, and hunt any live captive wild bird for any organized competitive field event that involves sporting dog breeds and that is sanctioned, licensed, or recognized by a local, state, regional, or national dog organization.
(2)
Hound dog trial license.
(a)
The department shall issue a hound dog trial license to any person who files a proper application and who pays the applicable fee.
(b)
A hound dog trial license authorizes the holder of the license to purchase, possess, release into the wild, and hunt live captive raccoon, live captive rabbit, live captive fox, live captive coyote, live captive bobcat, and live captive bear of the species Ursus americanus for any organized competitive field event that involves sporting dog breeds and that is sanctioned, licensed, or recognized by a local, state, regional, or national dog organization.
(3)
Rules. The department may promulgate rules to establish additional standards, limitations, and requirements for licenses issued under this section. The rules may include standards that provide adequate protection for the wild animals that are authorized under a dog trial license. The department shall issue a license to an applicant based on the rules in effect under this subsection on the date of the application and may not delay the issuance of a license pending promulgation of additional, modified, or new rules.
History:  2001 a. 56; 2003 a. 239.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 169 - Captive wildlife. › 169.23 - Stocking license.

169.23
Stocking license.
(1)
Issuance. The department may issue stocking licenses. If the department issues stocking licenses, it shall issue a stocking license to any person who files a proper application and who pays the applicable fee.
(2)
Authorization. A stocking license authorizes the holder of the license to purchase, possess, introduce, or stock wild animals.
(3)
Rules. The department may promulgate rules to establish additional standards, limitations, and requirements for stocking licenses. The rules may include the species of wild animals that may be introduced or stocked and the locations at which those species of wild animals may be introduced or stocked.
History:  2001 a. 56.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 169 - Captive wildlife. › 169.24 - Rehabilitation license.

169.24
Rehabilitation license.
(1)
Issuance. The department shall issue a rehabilitation license to rehabilitate wild animals to any individual who is at least 18 years of age, who meets the qualifications under rules promulgated under sub. (2), and who files a proper application.
(2)
Qualifications; rules. The department shall promulgate rules to establish the qualifications required to obtain a rehabilitation license, the types of activities authorized by a rehabilitation license and the standards, limitations, and requirements for rehabilitation licenses. The department may promulgate rules to establish standards for exempting an individual from any of these rules or from any provisions under this chapter.
History:  2001 a. 56.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 169 - Captive wildlife. › 169.25 - Scientific research license.

169.25
Scientific research license.
(1)
Issuance.
(a)
The department shall issue a scientific research license to any person who is engaged in a study or in research that the department determines will lead to increased, useful scientific knowledge and who files a proper application and who pays the applicable fee.
(b)
The department may also require the person to submit with the license application a copy of any of the following:
1.
The person's study plan or research proposal.
2.
An approval received by the person under 9 CFR 2.31.
(2)
Authorization. A scientific research license authorizes the holder of the license to take from the wild, possess, kill, or propagate the species of native wild animals that the department authorizes under the license.
(3)
Scope of license; contents. A scientific research license shall contain the holder's name and address, the date of issuance, and all of the following conditions or limitations:
(a)
The specific purposes for which it is issued.
(b)
The species of wild animals and the number of each species to be studied.
(c)
The locations from where the wild animals will be taken.
(d)
The locations at which the wild animals will be kept and studied.
(e)
The periods of time in which the wild animals may be studied.
(f)
Any other conditions or limitations that the department considers reasonable.
(4)
Equipment. A scientific research license may authorize the use of net guns, tranquilizer guns and other equipment or supplies for activities related to scientific research or study.
(5)
Title to; transfer and disposal of wild animals.
(a)
A person holding a scientific research license may not transfer any wild animal or its carcass held under the authority of the license unless the purpose of the transfer is to trade the wild animals for other animals for scientific research or classroom demonstrations and the transfer is specifically authorized by the department at the time of the transfer.
(b)
A person holding a scientific research license shall release or dispose of a live wild animal possessed under the authority of the license, or its carcass, only in the manner specifically authorized by the department.
(6)
Rules. The department may promulgate rules to establish additional standards, limitations, and requirements for scientific research licenses.
History:  2001 a. 56.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 169 - Captive wildlife. › 169.26 - Nonprofit educational exhibiting license.

169.26
Nonprofit educational exhibiting license.
(1)
Issuance. The department shall issue a nonprofit educational exhibiting license to any nature center, aquarium, or educational institution if the center, aquarium, or institution is a nonstock, nonprofit corporation described under section 501 (c) (3) or (4) of the Internal Revenue Code and exempt from taxation under section 501 (a) of the Internal Revenue Code and if the center, aquarium, or institution files a proper application and pays the applicable fee.
(2)
Authorization. A nonprofit educational exhibiting license authorizes the person holding the license to do all of the following:
(a)
Possess and exhibit live wild animals.
(b)
Purchase and propagate live wild animals subject to sub. (3) (a) for the purpose of exhibiting only.
(3)
Authorization: restriction; trading.
(a)
A person holding a nonprofit educational exhibiting license may purchase or propagate only those species of wild animals that the department specifically authorizes on the license.
(b)
If a person holding a nonprofit educational exhibiting license determines that the person possesses more live wild animals than are necessary for exhibiting purposes, the person may sell the excess wild animals to another person who is not prohibited under this chapter from possessing the wild animals.
(4)
Rules. The department may promulgate rules establishing standards, limitations, and requirements for nonprofit educational exhibiting licenses.
History:  2001 a. 56.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 169 - Captive wildlife. › 169.27 - Nonresident temporary exhibiting license.

169.27
Nonresident temporary exhibiting license.
(1)
Issuance. The department shall issue a nonresident temporary exhibiting license to any individual who is a nonresident or to any business organization that is not organized under the laws of this state, if the individual or organization meets the requirement under sub. (2), files a proper application, and pays the applicable fee.
(2)
Federal requirement. An applicant for a nonresident temporary exhibiting license shall hold any license or permit that may be required under 7 USC 2131 to 2159 at the time the department issues the applicant the license.
(3)
Authorization. A person holding a nonresident temporary exhibiting license may do all of the following:
(a)
Possess and exhibit live wild animals at locations designated by the department under the license for the production of motion pictures or television programs or as parts of theatrical acts, carnivals, or other animal attractions or displays.
(b)
Move live wild animals in mobile facilities that do not meet the rules for housing under s. 169.39.
(4)
Rules. The department may promulgate rules to establish additional standards, limitations, and requirements for nonresident temporary exhibiting licenses.
History:  2001 a. 56.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 169 - Captive wildlife. › 169.30 - Endangered or threatened species.

169.30
Endangered or threatened species.
No person may take from the wild, introduce, stock, release into the wild, exhibit, propagate, rehabilitate, hunt, sell, purchase, transfer, or engage in any other activity related to a live wild animal that is an endangered or threatened species unless the person is in compliance with this chapter, the rules promulgated under this chapter, and s. 29.604.
History:  2001 a. 56.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 169 - Captive wildlife. › 169.32 - Licenses; effective periods.

169.32
Licenses; effective periods.
(1)
Captive wild animal farm license. A captive wild animal farm license is valid from the date of issuance until the following December 31.
(4)
Wild fur farm license. A wild fur farm license is valid from the date of issuance until the 3rd December 31 following the date of issuance.
(5)
Bird hunting preserve license. A bird hunting preserve license is valid from the date of issuance until the following May 30.
(6)
Dog training licenses.
(a)
A bird dog training license is valid from the date of issuance until the 3rd December 31 following the date of issuance.
(b)
A hound dog training license is valid from the date of issuance until the 3rd December 31 following the date of issuance.
(c)
A dog club training license is valid from the date of issuance until the 3rd December 31 following the date of issuance.
(7)
Dog trial licenses.
(a)
A bird dog trial license is valid from the date of issuance until the following December 31.
(b)
A hound dog trial license is valid from the date of issuance until the following December 31.
(9)
Stocking license. A stocking license is valid for the period specified on the license, which may not exceed 30 days.
(10)
Rehabilitation license. A rehabilitation license is valid for 3 consecutive years from the date of issuance.
(11)
Scientific research license. A scientific research license is valid from the date of issuance until the following December 31.
(12)
Nonprofit educational exhibiting license. A nonprofit educational exhibiting license is valid from the date of issuance until the following December 31.
(13)
Nonresident temporary exhibiting license.
(a)
Except as provided in par. (b), a nonresident temporary exhibiting license is valid for the period specified on the license, which may not exceed 30 days.
(b)
Upon application, the department may grant extensions of the nonresident temporary exhibiting license beyond 30 days.
(15)
Validation licenses. An initial or subsequent validation license is valid from the date of issuance until the 5th December 31 after the date of issuance and may be renewed for 5-year periods thereafter.
History:  2001 a. 56.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 169 - Captive wildlife. › 169.33 - Licenses; applications; renewals; terminations.

169.33
Licenses; applications; renewals; terminations.
(1)
Application. The application for a license under this chapter shall be on a form provided by the department or in a format approved by the department, and shall request the information required by the department. The department may not issue a license unless the applicant provides the information required.
(2)
Eligibility requirements for minors.
(a)
Each applicant for a license under this chapter who is less than 18 years of age shall have the application signed by a parent or guardian.
(b)
Except as provided in pars. (c) and (d), an individual who applies for a license under this chapter shall be at least 14 years of age.
(c)
An individual who applies for a captive wild animal farm license may be less than 14 years of age if the individual is a member of a 4-H club or a sporting club.
(d)
An individual who applies for a bird dog training license or a hound dog training license shall be at least 10 years of age. If the applicant is under 12 years of age, the applicant is subject to the restrictions specified under s. 29.592.
(3)
Renewals.
(a)
Except as provided in par. (b), a person applying to renew a license issued under this chapter shall file an application with the department on or before the expiration date of the license.
(b)
A person may apply for a renewal of a license issued under this chapter not more than 45 days after the license's expiration date if the application is accompanied by the late fee specified under s. 169.31 (2), in addition to any regular renewal fee.
(4)
Incorrect information. No person may provide information that the person knows to be incorrect in order to obtain a license issued under this chapter to which the person is not entitled.
(4m)
Incorrect records or reports. No person may fail to keep records or submit reports as required under this chapter.
(5)
Expiration of license. A person holding a license issued under this section that expires or is revoked or suspended shall remove or cause to be removed from the land subject to the license any signs indicating that the land was so licensed within 45 days after the expiration, revocation, or suspension.
(6)
Compliance. No person may violate any condition or limitation imposed by the department on a license issued under this chapter.
History:  2001 a. 56; 2009 a. 39.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 169 - Captive wildlife. › 169.34 - Denial and revocation of licenses based on child support delinquency.

169.34
Denial and revocation of licenses based on child support delinquency.
(1)
Social security numbers required. The department shall require an applicant who is an individual to provide his or her social security number as a condition of applying for, or applying to renew, any license issued under this chapter.
(2)
Disclosure of social security numbers. The department of natural resources may not disclose any social security numbers received under sub. (1) to any person except to the department of children and families for the sole purpose of administering s. 49.22.
(3)
Denial of approvals.
(a)
As provided in the memorandum of understanding required under s. 49.857 (2), the department of natural resources shall deny an application to issue or renew, to suspend if already issued, or to otherwise withhold or restrict a license issued under this chapter if the applicant for or the holder of the license is delinquent in making court-ordered payments of child or family support, maintenance, birth expenses, medical expenses, or other expenses related to the support of a child or former spouse or if the applicant or holder fails to comply with a subpoena or warrant issued by the department of children and families or a county child support agency under s. 59.53 (5) and relating to paternity or child support proceedings.
(b)
As provided in the memorandum of understanding required under s. 49.857 (2), the department of natural resources shall deny an application to issue or renew a license issued under this chapter if the applicant for or the holder of the license fails to provide his or her social security number as required under sub. (1).
History:  2001 a. 56; 2007 a. 20.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 169 - Captive wildlife. › 169.35 - Denial and revocation of licenses based on delinquent taxes or unemployment insurance contributions.

169.35
Denial and revocation of licenses based on delinquent taxes or unemployment insurance contributions.
(1)
Social security and identification numbers required. The department shall require an applicant who is an individual to provide his or her social security number and an applicant who is not an individual to provide the applicant's federal employer identification number as a condition of applying for, or applying to renew, any of the following licenses:
(a)
A captive wild animal farm license.
(b)
A wild fur farm license.
(c)
A bird hunting preserve license.
(2)
Disclosure of numbers. The department of natural resources may not disclose any information received under sub. (1) to any person except to the department of revenue for the sole purpose of making certifications required under s. 73.0301 and to the department of workforce development for the sole purpose of making certifications required under s. 108.227.
(3)
Denial and revocation. The department of natural resources shall deny an application to issue or renew, or shall revoke if already issued, a license specified in sub. (1) if the applicant for or the holder of the license fails to provide the information required under sub. (1), if the department of revenue certifies that the applicant or license holder is liable for delinquent taxes under s. 73.0301, or if the department of workforce development certifies that the applicant or license holder is liable for delinquent unemployment insurance contributions under s. 108.227.
History:  2001 a. 56; 2013 a. 36.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 169 - Captive wildlife. › 169.37 - Inspections.

169.37
Inspections.
(1)
Departmental authority. For purposes of enforcing this chapter and the rules promulgated under this chapter with respect to a person who is required to have a license or maintain records under this chapter, a conservation warden or representative of the department, upon presenting his or her credentials to that person, may do any of the following:
(a)
Enter and inspect any land, vehicle, building, or other structure where live wild animals are possessed or where carcasses of wild animals are possessed.
(b)
Inspect any equipment, materials, or other activities related to the wild animals.
(c)
Gain access to and inspect any records required to be kept under s. 169.36.
(d)
Investigate and inspect any wild animal or any other animal to be introduced, stocked, or released into the wild. Inspection under this paragraph may include the removal of reasonable diagnostic samples from wild animals for biological examination.
(2)
Times for inspections. An inspection authorized under sub. (1) or (4) may be conducted during any of the following times:
(a)
Normal business hours.
(b)
During the time that the person who possesses wild animals or carcasses of wild animals is conducting business.
(c)
At any time, if the inspection is necessary for public health, safety, or welfare.
(3)
Prohibiting inspections. No person who has been requested to submit to an inspection under this section or s. 169.38 or an operator of a vehicle for such a person, or employee or person acting on behalf of such a person, may prohibit entry as authorized under this section or s. 169.38 unless a court restrains or enjoins the entry or inspection.
(4)
Inspections of introduced or stocked animals. Only persons determined by the department to be experienced in wildlife disease may remove diagnostic samples under sub. (1) (d).
(5)
Taxidermists. For an inspection of a taxidermist's place of business, this section does not apply, and the department shall conduct the inspection as authorized under s. 29.506 (7).
History:  2001 a. 56.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 169 - Captive wildlife. › 169.38 - Inspections of items subject to regulation by the department of agriculture, trade and consumer protection.

169.38
Inspections of items subject to regulation by the department of agriculture, trade and consumer protection.
(1)
Departmental authority. For purposes of enforcing s. 90.21 and rules promulgated under that section and ch. 29 and rules promulgated under that chapter, with respect to a person who keeps farm-raised deer that are white-tailed deer, and for purposes of enforcing this chapter and ch. 29 and rules promulgated under this chapter and ch. 29, with respect to a person who keeps farm-raised game birds or wild animals under a license issued under s. 95.68, 95.69, or 95.71, a conservation warden or representative of the department, upon presenting his or her credentials to that person, may do any of the following:
(a)
Enter and inspect any land, vehicle, building, or other structure where white-tailed deer, farm-raised game birds, or wild animals are possessed or where carcasses of white-tailed deer, farm-raised game birds, or wild animals are possessed.
(b)
Inspect any equipment, materials, or other activities related to farm-raised deer that are white-tailed deer, farm-raised game birds, or wild animals.
(c)
Gain access to and inspect any records that relate to farm-raised deer that are white-tailed deer and that are required to be kept under s. 93.07 (10), 95.55, or 169.36 (10m) or any rules promulgated under those sections.
(d)
Gain access to and inspect any records relating to farm-raised game birds required to be kept under s. 93.07 (10) or 95.57 or any rules promulgated under those sections.
(e)
Gain access to and inspect any records relating to wild animals required to be kept under s. 93.07 (10), 95.68, 95.69, 95.71, or 169.36 (10m) or any rules promulgated under those sections.
(2)
Times for inspections. An inspection authorized under sub. (1) may be conducted during any of the following times:
(a)
Normal business hours.
(b)
During the time that the person who keeps white-tailed deer, farm-raised game birds, or wild animals is conducting business.
(c)
At any time, if the inspection is necessary for public health, safety, or welfare.
(d)
At any time, if the inspection is limited to determining whether a fence that is used to contain farm-raised deer that are white-tailed deer complies with the requirements established by rule under s. 90.21 (6).
History:  2001 a. 56.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 169 - Captive wildlife. › 169.39 - Humane care and housing.

169.39
Humane care and housing.
(1)
Compliance with rules. No license may be issued under this chapter unless the department determines that the applicant will comply with all of the rules promulgated under subs. (2) and (3).
(2)
Rules; general. The department shall promulgate and enforce rules for the housing, care, treatment, enrichment, feeding, and sanitation of wild animals subject to regulation under this chapter to ensure all of the following:
(a)
That the wild animals receive humane treatment and enrichment.
(b)
That the wild animals are held under sanitary conditions.
(c)
That the wild animals receive adequate housing, care, and food.
(d)
That the public is protected from injury by the wild animals.
(3)
Rules; housing. The rules for housing under sub. (2) shall include requirements for the size and location of permanent enclosures and of temporary enclosures at locations other than those where the wild animals are permanently housed. The rules regulating the location of enclosures shall include the distance required between 2 enclosures. The rules for housing shall include specifications for enclosures for each species of harmful wild animal that the department designates under s. 169.11 (1).
(4)
Orders. The department may issue an order requiring any person holding a license under this chapter to comply with the rules promulgated under sub. (2).
History:  2001 a. 56.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 169 - Captive wildlife. › 169.40 - Trespassing.

169.40
Trespassing.
A person who hunts, traps, kills, or takes a wild animal subject to regulation under this chapter on land subject to a license issued under this chapter without the permission of the license holder or of the holder's employee or agent is liable to the license holder for any damage that the person causes to any wild animal that is subject to regulation under this chapter or to any property or land that is subject to the license.
History:  2001 a. 56.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 169 - Captive wildlife. › 169.42 - Taking custody of captive wild animals.

169.42
Taking custody of captive wild animals.
(1)
Intake of wild animals. A conservation warden may take into custody a wild animal that is subject to regulation under this chapter on behalf of the department if the conservation warden has reasonable grounds to believe that the wild animal is one of the following:
(a)
An abandoned or stray captive wild animal.
(b)
An unwanted captive wild animal delivered to the conservation warden.
(c)
A wild animal possessed, taken, introduced, stocked, released, exhibited, propagated, rehabilitated, hunted, sold, or purchased in violation of this chapter, any rule promulgated under this chapter, or any ordinance enacted under s. 169.43.
(d)
A captive wild animal that is not confined as required by a quarantine under s. 93.07 (10) or any rule or ordinance relating to the control of any animal disease.
(e)
A captive wild animal that has caused damage to persons or property.
(f)
A participant in an animal fight intentionally instigated by any person.
(g)
A captive wild animal that has been mistreated in violation of this chapter, any rule promulgated under this chapter, or ch. 951.
(h)
A captive wild animal delivered by a veterinarian under s. 173.13 (2).
(i)
A captive wild animal that is dead, dying, or sick and that has been exposed to, or is known to be infected with, a contagious or infectious disease as defined in the rules promulgated by the department of agriculture, trade and consumer protection under s. 95.001 (2) or with a disease or parasite that has pathological significance to humans or to any animals.
(j)
A captive wild animal that has escaped and has not been returned to its owner or another person who is authorized to possess the animal.
(k)
A wild animal that is being housed or held in violation of s. 169.39.
(2)
Transfer of wild animals.
(a)
A conservation warden shall accept into custody any wild animal that is delivered by a law enforcement officer or humane officer.
(b)
A conservation warden and the department shall comply with the applicable procedures under ss. 29.931, 29.934, and 968.20 as they relate to seized and confiscated wild animals, carcasses, vehicles, boats, or other objects or property.
History:  2001 a. 56.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 170 - Strays and lost chattels. › 170.01 - Who may take up strays.

170.01
Who may take up strays.
No stray, except horses and mules, shall be taken up by any person not a resident of the town in which it is found nor unless it is found upon land owned or occupied by the person.
History:  1993 a. 482.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 170 - Strays and lost chattels. › 170.02 - Finder to give notice; penalty.

170.02
Finder to give notice; penalty.
(1)
Every finder of a stray shall, within 7 days after finding the stray, notify the owner of the stray, if known to the finder, and request the owner to pay all reasonable charges and take the stray away. If the owner is unknown to the finder, the finder shall, within 10 days after finding the stray, file a notice with the town clerk, who shall transmit a copy to the county clerk.
(2)
The finder of a stray shall publish notice, if the value of the stray exceeds $50, as a class 3 notice, under ch. 985, in the county. The notice shall contain all of the following:
(a)
A brief description of the stray, giving its marks, natural or artificial, as near as practicable.
(b)
The name and residence of the finder, specifying the section and town.
(c)
The time when the stray was taken up.
(3)
If the finder neglects or refuses to publish the notice required under sub. (2), the finder of the stray shall be liable in double the amount of damages sustained by the owner of the stray. If the finder neglects or refuses for one year to publish the notice required under sub. (2), the finder of the stray shall be liable for the full value of the stray, to be recovered by an action in the name of the town. The amount recovered shall be apportioned in the same manner as tax revenues collected by the town for schools under s. 60.33 (9) (d).
History:  1993 a. 482; 1997 a. 254.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 170 - Strays and lost chattels. › 170.03 - Appraisal.

170.03
Appraisal.
Every finder of a stray of the value of $10 or more, at the time of such taking up, shall within one month cause the stray to be appraised by the chairperson of the town, and a certificate of the appraisal, signed by the chairperson, shall be filed in the town clerk's office. The finder shall pay the town chairperson 50 cents for the certificate and 10 cents per mile for each mile necessarily traveled to make the same.
History:  1989 a. 56 s. 258.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 170 - Strays and lost chattels. › 170.04 - Charges for keeping.

170.04
Charges for keeping.
The owner or person entitled to the possession of the stray at any time within one year after the notice is filed with the town clerk may have the stray restored to him or her upon proving his or her right to the stray and paying all lawful charges. If the claimant and the finder cannot agree as to the amount of the charges or upon what should be allowed for the use of the stray either party, on notice to the other, may apply to the chairperson of the town to settle the dispute, who for that purpose may examine witnesses on oath. If any amount is found due the finder, over the value of the use of the stray, the amount, with the costs, shall be a lien upon the stray and costs of the adjudication shall abide the decision of the town chairperson. If either party refuses to accept the decision of the town chairperson, action may be brought in circuit court.
History:  1977 c. 449; 1989 a. 56 s. 258.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 170 - Strays and lost chattels. › 170.05 - Sale of stray.

170.05
Sale of stray.
If no claimant for the stray requests its return under s. 170.04 and if the stray has not been appraised at more than $10 the finder shall become the absolute owner; but if the appraised value exceeds $10 the stray shall be sold at public auction by the sheriff or any constable of the county on the request of the finder. Notice thereof shall be given and the sale shall be conducted and the same fees allowed therefor as in case of sales under ch. 815. The finder may bid at the sale and shall at the time of sale deliver to such officer a statement in writing of the finder's charges, which shall be filed by the officer with the town treasurer; and after deducting the charges, if just and reasonable, and the costs of the sale the officer shall pay one-half of the remaining proceeds to the finder and within 10 days thereafter the other half to the treasurer of the town for its use. If the finder of the stray neglects or refuses to cause the sale to be made when required by law the finder shall pay to the town the value of the stray, to be recovered in an action by the town.
History:  Sup. Ct. Order, 67 Wis. 2d 585, 775 (1975); 1975 c. 218.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 170 - Strays and lost chattels. › 170.06 - Removal of stray; neglect to give notice, etc.

170.06
Removal of stray; neglect to give notice, etc.
If any person shall, without the consent of the finder, take away any stray taken up pursuant to this chapter without first paying all the lawful charges incurred in relation to the same the person shall be liable to the finder for the value of such stray; and if any finder shall neglect to give, file or publish the notices or have the appraisal made or do any other act prescribed by this chapter the finder shall be precluded from acquiring any right of property in such stray and from receiving any charges or expenses relative thereto.
History:  1993 a. 482.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 170 - Strays and lost chattels. › 170.065 - Exemption.

170.065
Exemption.
Sections 170.01 to 170.06 do not apply to a humane officer appointed under ch. 173 or a law enforcement officer who takes custody of an animal under ch. 173 or other applicable law.
History:  1997 a. 192.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 170 - Strays and lost chattels. › 170.07 - Lost chattels, notice.

170.07
Lost chattels, notice.
Except as provided in ss. 170.105 and 170.12, if a person finds $25 or more or any goods having a value of at least $25 but less than $100, and if the owner of the money or goods is unknown, the finder shall, within 5 days after finding the money or goods, give a written notice of the found money or goods to the law enforcement agency of the city, village or town in which the money or goods are found. That law enforcement agency shall post a notice of the found money or goods in 2 public places in the city, village or town.
History:  1991 a. 206; 1995 a. 263.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 170 - Strays and lost chattels. › 170.08 - Notice and appraisal.

170.08
Notice and appraisal.
Except as provided in ss. 170.105 and 170.12, the finder of lost goods having a value of $100 or more shall give a written notice of the found goods to the law enforcement agency of the city, village or town in which the goods are found within 15 days after finding the goods and cause a class 2 notice under ch. 985 of the found goods to be published in the county. If no person who is entitled to the goods appears to claim the goods, the finder shall, within 2 months after finding the goods and before using the goods to their injury, procure an appraisal of the goods by the law enforcement agency of the finder's city, village or town. The appraisal shall be certified by the head of the law enforcement agency and filed in the office of the law enforcement agency of the city, village or town.
History:  1989 a. 56; 1991 a. 206; 1995 a. 263.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 170 - Strays and lost chattels. › 170.09 - Restitution.

170.09
Restitution.
If the owner of lost money or goods appears within 90 days after notice is given to the law enforcement agency of the city, village or town under s. 170.07 or 170.08 and makes out his or her right to the money or goods, he or she shall have restitution of the money or goods or the value of the money or goods upon his or her paying all the costs and charges on the money or goods, including a reasonable compensation to the finder for the finder's trouble.
History:  1991 a. 206; 1995 a. 263.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 170 - Strays and lost chattels. › 170.10 - Disposition of found goods or money.

170.10
Disposition of found goods or money.
If no owner of lost money or goods appears within 90 days after notice is given to the law enforcement agency of the city, village or town under s. 170.07 or 170.08, the finder of the money or goods shall be the owner of the lost money or goods.
History:  1991 a. 206; 1995 a. 263; 2015 a. 196.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 170 - Strays and lost chattels. › 170.105 - Chattels found by public officials, employees or agents.

170.105
Chattels found by public officials, employees or agents.
(1)
Notwithstanding ss. 170.07 and 170.08, if an official, employee or agent of the state or of a county, city, village or town finds $25 or more or any goods having a value of at least $25 while acting within the scope of his or her official duties, employment or agency, he or she shall transfer custody of the found money or goods to the agency in the city, village or town where the money or goods were found that is designated by the city, village or town governing body to receive found money or goods. That agency shall post a notice of the found money or goods in 2 public places in the city, village or town.
(2)
If the owner of lost money or goods appears within 90 days after the notice is posted under sub. (1) and makes out his or her right to the found money or goods, he or she shall have restitution of the money or goods or the value of the money or goods upon paying all of the costs and charges on the money or goods. If no owner of lost money or goods appears within 90 days after the notice is posted under sub. (1), the found money or goods become the property of the state or county, city, village or town whose official, employee or agent found the lost money or goods.
History:  1995 a. 263.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 170 - Strays and lost chattels. › 170.11 - Penalty for neglect.

170.11
Penalty for neglect.
Except as provided in s. 170.12, if the finder of lost money or goods having a value of $3 or more fails to give notice of the found money or goods or otherwise to comply with the provisions of ss. 170.07 to 170.10, the finder shall be liable for the full value of the money or goods, one-half to the use of the town and the other half to the person who sues for the full value, and shall also be responsible to the owner for the money or goods.
History:  1991 a. 206.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 171 - Unclaimed property. › 171.01 - Duty of consignee or bailee.

171.01
Duty of consignee or bailee.
Whenever any personal property shall be consigned to or deposited with any common carrier, forwarding merchant, wharfinger, warehouse keeper, innkeeper or the keeper of any depot for the storage of baggage, merchandise or other personal property, such consignee or bailee shall immediately cause to be entered in a proper book kept by the consignee or bailee a description of such property with the date of the reception thereof; and if the same shall not have been so consigned or deposited for the purpose of being forwarded or disposed of according to directions received by such consignee or bailee at or before his or her reception thereof the consignee or bailee shall immediately notify the owner by mail thereof, if the owner's name and residence be known or can with reasonable diligence be ascertained.
History:  1983 a. 500 s. 43; 1993 a. 482.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 171 - Unclaimed property. › 171.04 - Perishable property, held for carriage or storage, how disposed of.

171.04
Perishable property, held for carriage or storage, how disposed of.
(1)
If any property delivered to any forwarding merchant, wharfinger or warehouse keeper, for carriage or storage, is in a state of decay or manifestly liable to immediate damage and decay, the person in whose custody the property is, the person's agent or attorney, may make an affidavit of this fact, and present the affidavit to a circuit judge or supplemental court commissioner for the county in which the property is located, and the circuit judge or supplemental court commissioner shall immediately make an order requiring the sheriff or any constable of the county to immediately inspect the property, and directing him or her, if it is found to be in a state of decay or manifestly liable to immediate damage or decay, to summarily sell the property without notice.
(2)
If the sheriff or constable, upon inspection, finds the property to be in a state of decay, or manifestly liable to immediate damage or decay, the sheriff or constable shall attach to the order his or her affidavit stating such fact, and shall make an inventory of the property, and shall summarily sell the property without notice, and shall make full return of the sheriff's or constable's execution of the order to the judge or supplemental court commissioner who issued the same, together with the sheriff's or constable's affidavit, inventory and the proceeds of said sale, after deducting the sheriff's or constable's fees therefrom.
(3)
From the proceeds of such sale, the judge or supplemental court commissioner shall pay all legal charges that have been incurred in relation to the property, or a ratable proportion of each charge if the proceeds of the sale are not sufficient to pay all the charges; and the balance, if any, the judge or supplemental court commissioner shall immediately pay over to the treasurer of the judge's or commissioner's county, with a copy of all the proceedings in the matter. The county treasurer shall file the copy in his or her office.
(4)
The person in whose custody such property shall be when any such proceeding for the sale thereof shall be commenced, shall immediately notify the consignor and consignee of such sale, which notice shall be in writing, and shall be served by leaving a copy thereof with the consignor and consignee, personally or by mail.
History:  1977 c. 449; 1993 a. 482; 2001 a. 61.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 171 - Unclaimed property. › 171.05 - Perishable property, held otherwise, how disposed of.

171.05
Perishable property, held otherwise, how disposed of.
If any property is perishable or subject to decay by keeping, the person in whose custody the property is, the person's agent or attorney, may make an affidavit of this fact and present the affidavit to a circuit judge or supplemental court commissioner for the county in which the property is located, and the judge or supplemental court commissioner shall immediately make an order requiring the sheriff or any constable of the county to immediately inspect the property, and if it is found to be perishable or subject to decay by keeping, to make and return an affidavit of this fact. Upon the return of this affidavit, the judge or supplemental court commissioner making the order shall immediately issue an order requiring the sheriff or constable to sell the property at public auction, giving notice of the time and place of the sale by publication of a class 1 notice, under ch. 985, and serving upon the consignor, the consignee and the custodian of the property, if they are known, a copy of the notice by mail. The sheriff or constable shall, at the time and place fixed by the notice, unless the property has been otherwise lawfully disposed of, sell the property at public auction, and shall make full return of his or her execution of the order, and return the same with an inventory of the property and the proceeds of the sale, after deducting his or her fees, to the judge or supplemental court commissioner making the order. From the proceeds of the sale, the judge or supplemental court commissioner shall pay all legal charges that have been incurred in relation to the property, or a ratable proportion of each charge, if the proceeds of the sale are not sufficient to pay all the charges; and the balance, if any, the judge or supplemental court commissioner shall immediately pay over to the treasurer of the county, with a copy of all the proceedings in the matter. The county treasurer shall file the copy in his or her office. The person in whose custody the property is when the proceedings for the sale were commenced shall immediately notify the consignor and consignee of the sale, in writing which shall be served by leaving a copy with the consignor and consignee personally or by mail.
History:  1977 c. 449; 2001 a. 61.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 171 - Unclaimed property. › 171.06 - Unclaimed property, how disposed of.

171.06
Unclaimed property, how disposed of.
When any property is not perishable or subject to decay and is not claimed and taken away within one year after it was received, it may be sold as follows: The person in whose custody the property is, or the person's agent or attorney, may make an affidavit of the facts and present the same to a judge or supplemental court commissioner of the county in which the property is located and such judge or supplemental court commissioner shall immediately issue an order requiring the sheriff or any constable of the county to sell the property at public auction, giving 60 days' notice of the time and place of the sale to the consignor, the consignee and the custodian of the property. This notice shall be in writing and served personally or by mail upon the persons whose names and residences are known. If the name or residence of any of the persons is unknown and cannot be ascertained with reasonable diligence, the sheriff or constable shall make an affidavit of this fact and shall publish a class 3 notice, under ch. 985, in the county. At the time and place of the sale the sheriff or constable shall sell the property at public auction and shall make a full return of the sheriff's or constable's proceedings under the order to the judge or supplemental court commissioner issuing the order, together with proof of service or publication of the notice of the sale, and an inventory of the property sold and the proceeds of the sale after deducting the sheriff's or constable's fees. From the proceeds of the sale the judge or supplemental court commissioner shall pay all legal charges that have been incurred in relation to the property, including the charges of the person in whose custody the property was when the proceedings were begun, or a ratable proportion of each charge if the proceeds of the sale are not sufficient to pay all of the charges. The judge or supplemental court commissioner shall immediately pay any balance remaining over to the treasurer of his or her county, with a copy of all proceedings in the matter. The county treasurer shall file the copy in his or her office. The person in whose custody the property is when any proceeding for the sale is commenced shall immediately notify the consignor and consignee of the sale, in writing, and served by leaving a copy thereof with the consignor and consignee, personally or by mail.
History:  1993 a. 482; 2001 a. 61.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 171 - Unclaimed property. › 171.065 - Disposition of proceeds.

171.065
Disposition of proceeds.
If the owner of property sold under this chapter or the owner's legal representatives, at any time within 5 years after proceeds from the sale have been deposited in the county treasury, furnishes satisfactory evidence to the treasurer of the ownership of the property, the owner or the owner's legal representatives shall be entitled to receive the amount of the proceeds deposited with the treasurer. If the owner or the owner's legal representatives do not claim the sale proceeds within the 5-year period, the proceeds shall belong to the county.
History:  1993 a. 482; 1997 a. 254 s. 21; Stats. 1997 s. 171.065.