Whenever any animals are delivered to the poundkeeper, and the certificate of appraisement is filed with him as provided in this chapter and the certificate states that the owner is unknown, the poundkeeper shall immediately examine all brand books or brand sheets in his possession, and if the owner is ascertained thereby, or if the owner is already known to the poundkeeper, he shall, if the owner lives within ten (10) miles, immediately deliver a copy of the certificate of appraisement to the owner, or leave the same at his residence if he cannot be found; if the owner lives more than ten (10) miles away, the poundkeeper may, at his option, deliver the copy personally to the owner or deposit the same in the nearest Post Office in a registered letter addressed to the owner. He shall, however, serve the copy in one of the ways provided in this chapter; provided, that whenever personal service of a copy of any paper is required by this chapter, service by agent shall be deemed sufficient. (1986 Code)