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Texas Statutes (Last Updated: January 4, 2014) |
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PARKS AND WILDLIFE CODE |
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Title 5. WILDLIFE AND PLANT CONSERVATION |
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Subtitle B. HUNTING AND FISHING |
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Chapter 65. ALLIGATORS |
Sec. 65.009. SEIZURE AND DISPOSAL OF ALLIGATORS
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(a) A game warden or any other peace officer may seize an alligator, alligator hide, alligator egg, or any part of an alligator if he has probable cause to believe it was taken, possessed, sold, or purchased in violation of this chapter or of a regulation of the commission. An alligator, alligator hide, alligator egg, or alligator part seized under this section may be sold by the department to the highest of three bidders, and the proceeds of the sale shall be deposited in the appropriate department suspense fund.
(b) On conviction of a violation, on a plea of nolo contendere, or on assessment of deferred adjudication in connection with an alligator, alligator hide, alligator egg, or alligator part seized under this section, the department shall transfer the proceeds of the sale from the suspense fund to the game, fish, and water safety fund.
(c) If the alleged violator is found not guilty of the offense or if the charges are dismissed, the department shall transfer to the owner the entire proceeds of the sale of the alligator, alligator hide, alligator egg, or alligator part.
(d) A game warden or peace officer acting under the authority of this chapter or of a regulation of the commission is immune from liability and from suit for the seizure of alligators, alligator hides, alligator eggs, or any part of an alligator.