The animal control officer, under the direction of the Sheriff of Yoakum County, may sell any estray impounded under the provisions of this article at public auction after having held such animal for at least five (5) days and after having published notice of such sale together with a general description of the animal or animals to be sold. Such notice shall appear one (1) time at least five (5) days prior to the date of the sale and shall state that such animal or animals will be sold to defray cost if not reclaimed prior to such date. The proceeds of any such sale shall be used to defray sale expenses and expenses of taking up and keeping of such animals. The balance, if any, shall be paid to the owner of the animal, if known, and if such owner is unknown, such balance shall be paid into the city treasury. Within six (6) months after such sale, an owner may, upon proof of such ownership satisfactory to the city secretary, be entitled to receive the amount paid into the city treasury on account of such sale.
(1989 Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2, Section 7F)