Procedure if cattle be not claimed within seven days

(1) If the cattle be not claimed within seven days from the date of their being impounded, the pound-keeper shall report the fact to the officer in charge of the nearest police station, or to such officer as the District Magistrate appoints in this behalf : Provided that in the case of asses or sheep the claim shall be made within three days from the date of their impounding.

(2) On receipt of a report under sub-section (1), the officer concerned shall display in a conspicuous part of his office a notice stating,-

(a) the number and description of the cattle ;

(b) the place where they were seized ;

(c) the place where they were impounded ; and shall cause proclamation of the same to be made by beat of drum in the village or area and at the market place near the place of seizure.

(3) If the cattle be not claimed within seven days, or within three days in the case of asses or sheep, from the date of notice under sub-section (2), they shall be sold by public auction by the said officer or an officer of his establishment deputed for that purpose at such place and time and subject to such conditions as the District Magistrate by general or special order from time to time directs : Provided that if the bid of any person for any cattle at a public auction is, in the opinion of the officer authorised to sell them, not a fair price, he may reject the bid, and may dispose of the cattle in such manner as he thinks fit.