Corpus

Orders of State Veterinarian; procedures.

Miss. Code Ann. § 75-40-115
in effect
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Whenever it may appear to the Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce or to his agent, either upon investigation or otherwise, that any person has engaged in, or is engaging in, or is about to engage in any act, practice or transaction which is prohibited by any law or regulation governing activities for which a license from the Board of Animal Health is required by this article, whether or not the person has so registered or obtained such a license or permit, the State Veterinarian may issue an order, if he deems it to be in the public interest or necessary for the protection of the citizens of this state, prohibiting such person from continuing such act, practice or transaction or suspending or revoking any such registration, license or permit held by such person. In situations where persons otherwise would be entitled to a hearing prior to an order entered pursuant to subsection (1) of this section, the State Veterinarian may issue such an order to be effective upon a later date without hearing unless a person subject to the order requests a hearing within ten (10) days after receipt of the order. Failure to make such request shall constitute a waiver of any provision of law for a hearing. The order shall contain or shall be accompanied by a notice of opportunity for hearing stating that a hearing must be requested within ten (10) days of receipt of the notice and order. The order and notice shall be served in person by the State Veterinarian or his agent or by certified mail, return receipt requested. In the case of an individual registered with or issued a license or permit by the Board of Animal Health, receipt of the order and notice will be conclusively presumed five (5) days after the mailing of the order by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the address provided by such person in his most recent registration or license or permit application. In situations where persons otherwise would be entitled to a hearing prior to an order, the State Veterinarian may issue an order to be effective immediately if the State Veterinarian or his agent has reasonable cause to believe that an act, practice or transaction is occurring or is about to occur; that the situation constitutes a situation of imminent peril to the public safety or welfare; and that the situation therefore requires emergency action. The emergency order shall contain findings to this effect and reasons for the determination. The order shall contain or be accompanied by a notice of opportunity for hearing which may provide that a hearing will be held if and only if a person subject to the order requests a hearing within ten (10) days of the receipt of the order and notice. The order and notice shall be served by the State Veterinarian, or his agent, by certified mail, return receipt requested. In the case of an individual registered with or issued a license or permit by the Board of Animal Health, receipt of the order and notice will be conclusively presumed five (5) days after the mailing of the order by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the address provided by such person in his most recent registration or license or permit application. Any request for hearing made pursuant to subsections (2) and (3) of this section shall specify: (a) in what respects such person is aggrieved, (b) any and all defenses such person intends to assert at the hearing, (c) affirmation or denial of all the facts and findings alleged in the order, and (d) an address to which any further correspondence or notices in the proceeding may be mailed. Upon such a request for hearing, the State Veterinarian shall schedule and hold the hearing, unless postponed by mutual consent, within thirty (30) days after receipt by the State Veterinarian of the request therefor. The State Veterinarian shall give the person requesting the hearing notice of the time and place of the hearing by certified mail to the address specified in the request for hearing at least fifteen (15) days prior to the time of the hearing.