When a common carrier has transported livestock, which can be kept only at continual expense, to its place of destination and has notified the owner or consignee of the arrival of the same, and the owner or consignee after such notice has refused or omitted to receive and take away the same and pay the freight and proper charges thereon, the carrier may cause the same to be sold at auction to pay the freight and charges thereon, including the cost of keeping, and the expenses of advertising and selling. If the owner or consignee cannot be found on reasonable inquiry, the carrier may cause the same to be advertised and sold without such notice. Before selling any such livestock, the common carrier holding the same shall give 2 weeks' notice of the time and place of sale in a newspaper published in the place where the livestock is held, if any; otherwise in a newspaper published at a place nearest thereto. The notice shall reasonably describe the livestock. The proceeds of sale, after deducting the amount of freight and charges, including the cost of keeping and the expenses of advertising and sale, shall be held for the persons entitled thereto.   [PL 1987, c. 490, §1 (NEW).]