The owner of any enclosed or improved land or woodlot belonging to a farm abutting upon any railroad, which is finished and in operation, may at any time between the 20th day of April and the end of October give written notice to the president, treasurer or any of the directors of the corporation owning, controlling or operating that railroad that the line fence against his land has not been built, or if built, that the fence is defective and needs repair. If the corporation neglects to build or repair the fence for 30 days after receiving notice, it forfeits to the owner $100, to be recovered in a civil action.   [PL 1987, c. 141, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).]