The owner of animals placed in quarantine by the commissioner or his agents shall provide suitable quarters for them and feed and water them. If he fails or refuses to do so, the commissioner or his agents shall provide such quarters and feed and water such animals at the expense of the owner. If such expense shall not be paid within ten days after the lifting of the quarantine, the commissioner may sell or cause to be sold any such animal, at public sale, after ten days' notice thereof, and shall apply the proceeds of such sale, first to the payment of the costs and expenses aforesaid, and the residue to the owner. No animal shall be removed from a quarantined area prior to such sale, except upon payment of such expense.