(a) The Legislature finds and declares that this division is enacted in the exercise of the police power of this state for the purpose of protecting the cattle industry of this state from losses of livestock by theft and straying.

(b) The Legislature further finds and declares that the protection should be afforded through a system of brand inspection of cattle as the cattle are moved and marketed within this state, and that, to the extent that adequate funding is made available, an investigative unit be maintained within the department for the purpose of assisting local law enforcement agencies in combating cattle theft in this state.

(c) The department shall develop a surveillance patrol program, to the extent that adequate funding is made available, to assist in the detection and apprehension of persons involved in cattle theft.

(Amended by Stats. 1991, Ch. 361, Sec. 1. Effective August 30, 1991.)