Texas Agriculture Code 168.003 – Administration of Program; Search Warrant
(a) In administering the program, the laboratory may:
(1) require the registration of hatcheries and hatchery supply flocks;
(2) examine, test, monitor, and collect samples from any flock, whether a hatchery supply flock or not, if the flock is suspected of being infected or a potential source of infection;
(3) examine, test, monitor, and collect samples from any hatchery supply flock;
(4) enter premises where flocks are kept or eggs are hatched as necessary to administer this chapter; and
(5) promulgate rules necessary to the control and eradication of pullorum disease and fowl typhoid.
(b) If a person conducting an inspection of premises under Subsection (a)(4) of this section desires to be accompanied by a peace officer, the person may apply to any magistrate in the county where the property is located for the issuance of a search warrant. In applying for the warrant, the person shall describe the premises or place to be entered and shall by oath or affirmation give evidence of probable cause to believe that entry is necessary for the control or eradication of pullorum disease or fowl typhoid. The application for the warrant and the warrant itself need only describe the property or premises in terms sufficient to enable the owner or caretaker to know what property is referred to in the documents. The warrant entitles the person to whom it is issued to be accompanied by a peace officer and by assistants. The issuing magistrate may not charge court costs or other fees for the issuance of this warrant.
Terms Used In Texas Agriculture Code 168.003
- Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
- Person: includes corporation, organization, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, association, and any other legal entity. See Texas Government Code 311.005
- Probable cause: A reasonable ground for belief that the offender violated a specific law.
- Property: means real and personal property. See Texas Government Code 311.005