Article 2. Inspectors And Other Peace Officers of California Food And Agricultural Code >> Division 10. >> Chapter 3. >> Article 2.

Each inspector may enforce the provisions of Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 484), Title 13, Part 1 of the Penal Code, with reference to theft of any animal or carcass, and is authorized, as a public officer, to arrest for any such offense. In the event of an arrest pursuant to this section, the provisions of Section 835a of the Penal Code shall apply as if the inspector were a peace officer.

Each sheriff, member of the California Highway Patrol, and other peace officer shall cooperate and assist in enforcing this division.

Each sheriff or other officer to whom a complaint which relates to the loss or theft of cattle is made shall forthwith transmit to the bureau a report which shows all of the following:
  (a) The number of animals that are involved.
  (b) A description of the animals, including any marks and brands on them.
  (c) The date of the loss or theft.
  (d) Any other information which the chief may by regulation require.

If an inspector or peace officer finds any animal, hide, carcass, or portion of a carcass in the possession of any person that he has reason to believe is not the legal owner or entitled to the possession of it, he shall take possession of it or notify the person in possession where to leave it pending investigation.

A person shall not, without a release from the inspector or peace officer, dispose of the animal, hide, carcass, or portion of a carcass within 30 days after receiving the notice pursuant to Section 20435 or until it is released by the inspector or peace officer.

Any animal, hide, carcass, or portion of a carcass shall not be held pursuant to Section 20435 for more than 30 consecutive days, unless the notice of seizure is renewed by the inspector or peace officer.

Any inspector or peace officer may stop any conveyance which is transporting any animal, hide, carcass, or portion of a carcass on any public thoroughfare for the purpose of making an investigation and may take possession of the animal, hide, carcass, or portion of a carcass and hold it for not to exceed 30 days pending an investigation.

Any expense which is incurred in caring for any property which is seized pursuant to this article shall be paid by the owner of the property. The cost of caring for the property so held is a lien upon the property. The lien may be enforced in the manner which is prescribed in Section 3052 of the Civil Code.

Any animal which is seized by or comes into the possession of an inspector pursuant to this division shall be disposed of as provided in Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 17001), Part 1, Division 9 of this code.