San Diego County Recorder Estray Notices
Finding aid created by San Diego County Archives staff using RecordEXPRESS
San Diego County Archives
2024
10144 Mission Gorge Road
Santee, California 92071
(619) 237-0502
archives@sdcounty.ca.gov
https://www.sdarcc.gov/content/arcc/home/divisions/recorder-clerk/county-archives.html
Title: San Diego County Recorder Estray Notices
Dates: 1888-1953
Collection Number: RCC/OFR13
Creator/Collector:
San Diego County (Calif.). County Recorder.
Extent: 0.4 cubic feet (2 oversize boxes)
Repository:
San Diego County Archives
Santee, California 92071
Abstract: Estray Notices are official declarations stating that an animal or other piece of moveable property has been found by someone
who is now establishing a legal basis to transfer ownership of the found property. (Enacted by Stats. 1856, Ch. 128, amended
several times, notable by Stats. 1897, Ch. 137, and most recently by Stats. 1996, Ch. 653.) The collection consists of two
volumes, 1888-1953.
Language of Material: English
Please contact the San Diego County Archives staff at archives@sdcounty.ca.gov for access information.
[Identification of item]. San Diego County Recorder Estray Notices. Collection Number: RCC/OFR13. San Diego County Archives
Scope and Content of Collection
Estray Notices consists of two volumes of official declarations stating that an animal or other piece of property has been
found by someone who is now establishing a legal basis to transfer ownership of the found property. Each notice is a detailed
record that includes critical information, such as the individual reporting the estray, the date and location of discovery,
and a physical description of the item found.
In the case of found livestock, the description would include species, coloration, approximate size and age, and distinctive
attributes like branding in addition to associated expenses for the capture, maintenance, and care of the stray animal(s).
The notice also includes a provision indicating that the owner can reclaim their property by reimbursing expenditures. Another
feature of the notice is a declaration that unclaimed property may be sold at auction to recoup any expenses incurred.
The recording date of each notice is also documented, reference to Section 396 of the California Agricultural Code is commonly
cited. Volumes are arranged chronologically by date of recording.
Estray records
Personal property--California
San Diego County (Calif.)