Article 3. Investigations And Seizures of California Food And Agricultural Code >> Division 11. >> Chapter 1. >> Article 3.

The director may make any necessary investigations relative to reported violations of this division, pursuant to Article 2 (commencing with Section 11180), Chapter 2, Part 1, Division 3, Title 2 of the Government Code.

Any agent of the department or any peace officer may, for the purpose of making an investigation, do any of the following:
  (a) Stop any conveyance which is transporting on any public thoroughfare any horse, mule, burro, or sheep, the carcass of any such animal which has the skin on it, or the hide or skin of any such animal.
  (b) Take possession of any horse, mule, burro, or sheep, the carcass of any such animal which has the hide or skin on it, or the hide or skin of any such animal and hold it for 30 days pending an investigation.

Any expense which is incurred pursuant to Section 23043 shall be paid by the owner. The cost of caring for the property which is held pursuant to Section 23043 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 pursuant to Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 17001), Part 1, Division 9 of this code.