RS 3:2183 Authority of inspectors to seize and dip animals; injunction against interference with inspectors; interference a misdemeanor - Louisiana Statutes

§2183.  Authority of inspectors to seize and dip animals; injunction against interference with inspectors; interference a misdemeanor

A.  All quarantine inspectors may enter enclosed premises or areas, including pastures, ranges, farms, pens, and stables, and may seize, take into their possession, transport to any dipping vats or pens, and dip or cause to be dipped all cattle, horses, mules, jacks, and jennets, infested with or exposed to the cattle fever tick (Margaropus annulatus).  The owners, their agents or employees, of the cattle, horses, mules, jacks, and jennets infested with or exposed to the cattle fever tick shall not interfere with or resist any action on the part of the quarantine inspectors in seizing, removing, and dipping or causing to be dipped the cattle, horses, mules, jacks, and jennets infested with or exposed to the cattle fever tick.

B.  The Louisiana Board of Animal Health may appeal for injunctive relief to the district court, within which jurisdiction are located the cattle, horses, mules, jacks, and jennets infested with or exposed to the cattle fever tick.  The district court may instanter restrain, enjoin, and prohibit the owners of the cattle, their agents and employees, or any person, from interfering with or resisting any action of the quarantine inspectors in seizing, removing, dipping, or causing to be dipped cattle, horses, mules, jacks, and jennets infested with or exposed to the cattle fever tick.

C.  Any expense incurred by the enforcement of this Section, including court costs, reasonable attorney fees, and the costs of feeding and caring for the animals while undergoing process of tick eradication, shall constitute a lien and privilege on the animals, which lien and privilege shall prime any and all liens and privileges theretofore or thereafter given, and shall be enforceable according to R.S. 3:2181.  In addition to the remedy of injunctive relief above given, the action of any owners, or their agents and employees, or any other person, in interfering with the seizing, transporting, removing, and dipping of cattle, horses, mules, jacks, and jennets infested with or exposed to the cattle fever tick is a misdemeanor and punishable in accordance with R.S. 3:2187.

Acts 2008, No. 920, §1, eff. July 14, 2008.