Property retained by the proprietor under this article shall be sold at public auction, after the expiration of 30 days from the date of such retention.
Notice of the sale shall be first published once in each of the 2 weeks preceding the day of the sale in a newspaper circulating in the municipality in which the stable is situated, and 5 days' notice of the sale shall be given by posting a copy of the notice in 5 public places in the municipality.
The proceeds of sale after the deduction of the expenses thereof shall first be applied to the payment of the indebtedness, and the balance, if any, shall be paid to the owner of the property, or his representative. The balance, if not claimed by the owner within 60 days after sale, shall be paid to the municipality, in which the stable is situated, for the support of the poor.
N.J.S. § 2A:44-52