Section 481A.40. Use of drugs on wildlife — penalty.

  1.  For the purposes of this section, “drug” means any chemical substance, other than food, that affects the structure or biological function of any wildlife under the jurisdiction of the department of natural resources.

  2.  Except with written authorization from the director or the director’s designee or as otherwise provided by law, a person shall not administer any drug to any wildlife under the jurisdiction of the department of natural resources, including but not limited to drugs used for fertility control, disease prevention or treatment, immobilization, or growth stimulation.

  3.  This section does not prohibit the treatment of sick or injured wildlife by a licensed veterinarian or holder of a wildlife rehabilitation permit.

  4.  This section shall not be construed to limit employees of agencies of the state, the United States, or local animal control officers, licensed animal shelters, or licensed pounds in the performance of their official duties related to public health, wildlife management, or wildlife removal. However, a drug shall not be administered by any person for fertility control or growth stimulation except as provided in subsection 2.

  5.  An officer of the department may take possession of or dispose of any wildlife under the jurisdiction of the department of natural resources that the officer reasonably believes has been administered drugs in violation of this section.

  6.  A person who violates this section is guilty of a serious misdemeanor.

2007 Acts, ch 56, §1