§ 11-7-211 — Forfeit of registration; termination of rights; disposition of equipment

(a) The registration of an apiary which is not stocked
with bees during at least forty-five (45) continuous days of the
normal buildup or honey producing season is forfeited and all
rights under the certificate of registration terminate.
(b) An apiary not regularly attended in accordance with
good beekeeping practice, which comprises a hazard or threat to
disease control in the beekeeping industry or which by reason of
its physical condition or construction cannot be inspected, may
be considered an abandoned apiary and may be seized by the
department. Any diseased equipment or equipment which by reason
of its physical condition or construction cannot be inspected
may be burned, and any remaining equipment may be sold at public
auction. Proceeds, after the cost of the sale is deducted, shall
be returned to the former owner or his estate. Before burning or
selling any equipment, the department shall give the owner or
person in charge a written notice at least five (5) days before
the burning or sale. The notice shall be given by certified mail
or personal service upon the owner or person in charge of the
property. If the owner or person in charge cannot be located, a
certified letter sent to the owner's last address registered
with the department is sufficient notice under this section.