Chapter 4.5. Holding, Segregation, And Disposal Of Animals Unfit For Human Food Purposes of California Food And Agricultural Code >> Division 9. >> Part 3. >> Chapter 4.5.

As used in this chapter, animal means livestock as defined in Section 18663 and poultry as defined in Section 24657.

If the director determines that any animal raised for the production of any food product is or may be carrying in its body pesticides, poisons, or other deleterious substances, including, but not limited to, veterinary biologicals, antibiotics, pesticides, and heavy metal poisons which may render any food product from such animal injurious to human health, he may order the animal held on the premises where it is found or elsewhere until he has determined that the animal may safely be released for human food purposes. The director may require the segregation of animals held under such an order.

If the director finds that any animal under a hold order pursuant to this chapter cannot, after treatment or care, be safely used for human food purposes, or contains in its body any such deleterious substance in excess of a tolerance established by the director, the director may after notice to the owner or person in possession of the animal, require that the animal be marked or branded or otherwise disposed of in such a manner as to preclude its use for human food. If the animal is fit for use as pet food the director may permit the animal to be so used.

It is unlawful for any person to fail to comply with any order of the director issued pursuant to this chapter.

The director may bring an action in the superior court of any county in which animals subject to a hold order are located to require enforcement of such order. The director shall not be required to allege an inadequate remedy at law or irreparable damage. The court may enjoin violation of the director's orders and require such other course of action as may be necessary to assure compliance.

The owner of any animal for which a hold or disposal order is issued pursuant to this chapter may seek administrative review of such order in the same manner as is provided in Section 18931. The proceedings for such review shall be as provided in Section 18931. Any hold order under this chapter shall remain in force during such administrative review.