§ 2-33-108 - Authority to stop vehicles, etc. - Arkansas Statutes

2-33-108. Authority to stop vehicles, etc.

(a) (1) Livestock inspectors and other employees of the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission designated by the commission shall have the authority to:

(A) Stop vehicles transporting livestock or poultry in the state for purposes of examining:

(i) Livestock being transported in the vehicle;

(ii) The sanitary conditions of the vehicles transporting the livestock; and

(iii) The documents relating to the health of the livestock being transported; and

(B) Make such other inspections as the commission may authorize or direct by administrative rule or regulation to enable it to carry out its responsibilities regarding disease and pest control and eradication.

(2) Livestock inspectors and other designated employees of the commission shall have no authority to stop vehicles transporting poultry unless and until the commission shall have first issued a proclamation declaring that there is an imminent peril of disease or disaster affecting poultry in the state.

(b) If the contents of a vehicle are not in compliance with state or federal laws or regulations, the commission employee shall have the authority to detain the vehicle and order the contents to be unloaded and quarantined at the nearest facility until the contents are brought into compliance.

(c) Such personnel of the commission are further authorized to make arrests or issue citations to appear in court to those parties involved in committing violations of laws and commission regulations designed to control and eradicate diseases in livestock and poultry in the state.

(d) Such employees designated by the commission shall, upon employment, be required to attend and successfully complete a curriculum offered by the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy.

(e) Any person or entity who violates this section shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.