Section 173.19 - Animals considered unclaimed(1) Except as provided in sub. (1m), a political subdivision or person contracting under s. 173.15(1) may treat any animal taken into custody under s. 173.13(1) (a) 1 as an unclaimed animal subject to s. 173.23(1m) if, within 4 days after custody is taken of the animal, it is not claimed by and returned to its owner under s. 173.23(1) .(1m) Notwithstanding sub. (1), a political subdivision or person contracting under s. 173.15(1) may not euthanize the animal taken into custody under s. 173.13(1) (a) 1 before 7 days have elapsed after custody is taken, except to alleviate physical suffering or to protect the safety of shelter staff, volunteers, or the public.(2) Except as provided in sub. (3), a political subdivision or person contracting under s. 173.15(1) may treat any animal taken into custody under s. 173.13(1) (a) 3 , 4., or 9. as an unclaimed animal subject to s. 173.23(1m) if, within 7 days after custody is taken of the animal, it is not claimed by and returned to its owner under s. 173.23(1) , except that an animal taken into custody under s. 173.13(1) (a) 3 or 4. may not be treated as unclaimed if its owner files a petition under s. 173.22(1) within 7 days after custody is taken.(3) If an animal is taken into custody under s. 173.13(1) (a) 3 , 4., or 9. and also taken into custody under s. 173.13(1) (a) 1 , only sub. (1) applies to that animal.Amended by Acts 2015 ch, 233,s 12, eff. 3/3/2016.Amended by Acts 2015 ch, 233,s 11m, eff. 3/3/2016.Amended by Acts 2015 ch, 233,s 11, eff. 3/3/2016.