The operator of each livestock auction market shall warrant to the purchaser the title of all livestock bought by the purchaser through the auction market and the operator is liable to the rightful owner of any livestock sold through the auction market for the net proceeds in cash received for the livestock. If the operator of an auction market is notified by an authorized brand inspector that there is a question as to whether any designated livestock sold through the auction market is lawfully owned by the consignor of the livestock, the operator shall hold the proceeds received from the sale of the livestock for a reasonable time, not to exceed sixty days, to permit the consignor to establish ownership. At the expiration of the allotted time, if the consignor fails to establish lawful ownership of the livestock to the satisfaction of the brand inspector, the proceeds must be remitted to the state treasurer for deposit in the North Dakota stockmen's association fund.
N.D.C.C. § 4.1-27-18