The inspector making the sale of an estray shall return the proceeds of the sale to the board. The board shall pay the expenses incurred in the impounding, publishing of notice and selling of the animal and place the balance in the fund of the board, making a record of the same showing the marks and brands and other means of identification of the livestock and giving the amount realized from the sale. The record shall be open to the inspection of the public. Should the lawful owner of an estray that has been sold be found within two years after the sale of the livestock, the net amount received from the sale of the estray less the sum prescribed by law for office handling fees shall be paid to the owner upon his proving ownership to the satisfaction of the board.
NMS § 77-13-6