It shall be the duty of the person or persons so authorized to give anyone on whose premises are found agricultural pests, ten (10) days’ notice in writing, to control the same; or if such land is unoccupied and owned by a nonresident, such notice shall be mailed to the owner’s address, or if the address is unknown, posted upon the land or premises where such agricultural pests are to be controlled; and if upon the land or right-of-way of any railroad company, such notice may be served upon its agent at the station nearest to such land or right-of-way; and if the work of controlling same is not done within such time, the person or persons so authorized by the county commissioners shall proceed to control such agricultural pests on such land or premises; provided that such person or persons shall use every precaution to prevent the destruction of domestic fowl or animals.