Louisiana § RS 56:56 - Seizure or surrender of things illegally used or possessed
Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 56:56 — Seizure or surrender of things illegally used or possessed, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ RS 56:56. Seizure or surrender of things illegally used or possessed
A. Any enforcing officer may seize:
(1) Any animal or parts thereof, possessed, transported, sold, offered for sale, or purchased contrary to the provisions of this Title.
(2) Deer, bears, or wild turkey or parts thereof in the possession of any person which is not tagged or identified as required by this Title.
(3) Fish and other aquatic life, taken, possessed, transported, sold, offered for sale, or purchased contrary to the provisions of this Title.
(4) Traps, nets, cages, snares, explosives, guns and other devices placed, set, or otherwise used or possessed for the purpose of taking wild birds or quadrupeds contrary to the provisions of this Title.
(5) Tackle, seines and other nets, trawls, tongs, scrapers, and other equipment and devices used in taking of fish, shrimp, oysters, or other aquatic life contrary to the provisions of this Title.
(6) Oysters, shrimp, and hides and pelts of fur bearing animals and nongame quadrupeds which are subject to a tax imposed by this Title and on which the tax has not been paid or which are taken contrary to the provisions of this Title.
(7) Tackle and scrapers which are possessed or operated in an illegal manner or which are required by the provisions of this Title to be licensed or tagged and which are not so licensed or tagged or which are improperly tagged or which are taken contrary to the provisions of this Title.
(8) Tackle of any type or description, including without limitation such gear listed in R.S. 56:302, 302.5, or 305, which is used by a fisherman to take shrimp, oysters, fish, or other seafood for sale without possessing a commercial fisherman's license.
B. Any live animal which is illegal to possess or which may be possessed only by permit or license from the department may be voluntarily surrendered to the department without penalty. The person surrendering the animal shall be immune from prosecution for illegally possessing or possessing without a permit or license provided the surrendering of the animal is initiated prior to any independent investigation or contact by any public employee operating in their official capacity. The department may dispose of a surrendered animal in any manner the department deems appropriate.
Acts 1981, No. 837, §1. Acts 1985, No. 876, §3, eff. July 23, 1985; Acts 1991, No. 888, §1, eff. July 23, 1991; Acts 2010, No. 157, §1; Acts 2016, No. 133, §1.
Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 56:56
What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 56:56 cover?
Section RS 56:56 ("Seizure or surrender of things illegally used or possessed") is part of the Louisiana Civil Code, the codified statutory law of Louisiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Louisiana § RS 56:56?
A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 56:56" (Louisiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Louisiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Louisiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Louisiana attorney.
How does Louisiana § RS 56:56 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Louisiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Louisiana.