§9-11-16. Seizure, forfeiture and disposal of prohibited devices, etc., used in catching, killing, etc., fish or fur-bearing animals.

(a) It shall be the duty of the Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources or any of his wardens or agents to seize all instruments or devices prohibited by or constructed contrary to law and used unlawfully in trapping, capturing and killing fur-bearing animals in this state, as well as all instruments or devices prohibited by or constructed contrary to law and used unlawfully in taking, catching or killing fish in the public streams or waters of this state and after such seizure to hold the same for evidence.

(b) In all cases of arrests and convictions for the use of such unlawful or illegal instruments or devices, such instruments or devices are declared to be a nuisance and shall be carried before the court having jurisdiction of such offense, and said court shall order such instruments or devices forfeited to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources immediately after trial and conviction of the person in whose possession such devices or instruments were found. When any illegal instrument or device prohibited by this section is found and the owner of same shall not be known to the officer finding same, such officer shall procure from the judge of any court having jurisdiction an order forfeiting said instrument or device to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

(c) The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources may destroy such instrument or device or may otherwise dispose of the same as it shall deem advisable.

(Acts 1933, Ex. Sess., No. 72, p. 67, § 9; Code 1940, T. 8, §76; Acts 1947, No. 610, p. 458, § 1.)