Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah

It is narrated from Hazrat Sha'bi (may Allah have mercy on him) that the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Whoever leaves his animal in a place of destruction, then whoever catches it and gives it life (takes care of it), it belongs to him.

Hasan (may Allah have mercy on him) said that if a person leaves his animal in a waterless and barren land, then whoever takes care of it and feeds it fodder, it belongs to him.

It is narrated from Hazrat Aamir (may Allah be pleased with him) that a man set his animal free, and another person caught it. Then its owner came and brought the dispute before Hazrat Aamir. Hazrat Aamir said: This is a matter about which a decision has already been made before today. If he left his animal due to fear or some such reason, then he has more right to his animal. But if he left it for the sake of pasture, then he has no right to it.