11-1023

11-1023. Unauthorized release of animals;
classification; damages

A person who intentionally releases an animal that is lawfully confined for
scientific, research, commercial, educational or for public event, display or exhibition
purposes without the consent of the owner or custodian of the animal is guilty of a class
6 felony and in addition is liable for all of the following:

1. To the owner of the animal for damages including the costs of restoring the
animal to confinement and to its health condition before the release.

2. For damages to real and personal property caused by the released animal.

3. If the release causes the failure of an experiment or loss of market value, for
all costs of repeating the experiment and the loss of value, including replacement of the
animals, labor and materials.