(1) Any animal placed in the custody of a licensed veterinarian for treatment, boarding or other care which is unclaimed by the client for more than ten (10) days after written notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, or United States priority mail, confirmation of receipt, is sent to the client at the client’s last known address shall be deemed to be abandoned.The abandonment shall constitute the relinquishment of all rights and claims by the client to the animal.The abandoned animal may be turned over to the nearest humane society or animal shelter or otherwise disposed of or destroyed by the licensed veterinarian in a humane manner.
(2) If a licensed veterinarian follows the procedures of this section, the veterinarian is relieved of any further liability for disposal and shall not be subject to disciplinary action under this chapter.
(3) The disposal of an abandoned animal shall not relieve the client of any financial obligation incurred for treatment, boarding or other care provided by the licensed veterinarian.