West Virginia § 19-9-5 - 19-9-5. Persons authorized to enter premises; powers thereof; refusal to enforce orders of commissioner.

§ 19-9-5. 19-9-5. Persons authorized to enter premises; powers thereof; refusal to enforce orders of commissioner.

The commissioner, the consulting veterinarians, and their duly appointed and authorized assistants or employees, in the performance of their duties under this article and the rules and regulations adopted by the commissioner, shall have the power to enter any premises, public or private, where they have reason to believe that diseased animals or poultry may be or may have been confined or kept in or on such premises, or for the purpose of making such examination or applying such tests as may be necessary to determine whether any contagious or infectious disease exists there. They shall have the same powers and protection as other peace officers of this state, and shall have power and authority to require all sheriffs and their deputies, constables, mayors of cities and towns, and state and municipal police officers, to assist them in carrying out the provisions of this article and the rules and regulations adopted thereunder. Any officer who fails or refuses to enforce the lawful orders and quarantine of the commissioner or any one acting under him in the proper execution of the powers conferred by this article, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not less than twenty-five nor more than $200.