If one finds a lost sheep and does not find its owner, what is required of him?

Question:
The first message in this episode is from listener Abdul Jalil Sudani. Brother Abdul Jalil says: I am a shepherd, and once I found two sheep and could not find their owner. They remained with me for two months. How do you direct me now? And how should I deal with them? May Allah reward you with good.

Answer:
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds. May Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and all his Companions. As for what follows: If a lost sheep is in the open desert and there is fear for it from wild beasts, there is no harm in taking it. If you find its owner, you return it to him; otherwise, you benefit from it, based on the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) This means if it is in the open desert and not protected from wild beasts.
As for if these sheep are in a town or near their people, close to their owners, no one should touch them; because they are safe until their owner comes and takes them. Yes.