Procedure when legality of impounding or amount of damages claimed is disputed

(1) On complaint by the owner of any cattle, or his agent, to any magistrate, that such cattle has been impounded, and that a larger amount of damages, penalties, fees or expenses is demanded than is reasonable or authorised, or that the identity of such cattle or the nature of the trespass is disputed, or that the legality of the impounding is denied, the magistrate may summon the person so impounding the cattle and summon and examine upon oath all necessary witnesses. (2) In case it appears to the magistrate that the damages, penalties, fees and expenses charged are unreasonable or unauthorised, the magistrate may reduce them or wholly disallow them, and make such order thereon as to him appears proper and just. (3) If the identity of such cattle is not made out, or if it appears that such cattle were not legally impounded, the magistrate may order the person impounding such cattle to deliver them to the owner, or his agent, and to pay to him such damages, not exceeding one hundred dollars and costs as to the magistrate may seem proper and just. (4) In case any such order is not complied with within such time as the magistrate thereby limits and expresses for that purpose, the magistrate may levy and raise the damages and costs awarded the owner by distress and sale of the goods and chattels of the person who impounded such cattle, and direct and authorise any police officer or peace officer to enforce the release and delivery of the cattle impounded, and for that purpose, if necessary, to break open any doors or gates. 14