§ 50-11-96 — Introduction of fertility control agents into wildlife; exceptions; penalties.

(A) It is unlawful for a person to introduce a fertility control agent or chemical substance into any wildlife without a permit from the department. (B) The department may issue a permit, authorizing the use of a fertility control agent or chemical in wildlife only for: (1) bonafide scientific research, as approved by the department, by persons, or institutions properly accredited, staffed, and equipped to carry out an approved research plan; (2) management activities for the proper control of wildlife as approved by the department. (C) The department is authorized to use fertility control agents or chemical substances on wildlife in order to protect human safety or for management, scientific, or educational purposes. (D) Preference must be given to hunting as the primary method of controlling wildlife before a fertility control agent or a chemical substance is utilized. (E) Nothing in this section prohibits the use of pesticides for the control of commensal rodents according to label specifications. (F) A person violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than two thousand five hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than two years, or both. The magistrates court is vested with jurisdiction to hear and dispose of these cases. (G) The Department of Natural Resources is authorized to promulgate regulations to implement and regulate the provisions of this section.

Legislative History

HISTORY: 2008 Act No. 238, SECTION 1, eff upon approval (became law without the Governor's signature on May 22, 2008).