(a) Peace officers and other designated employees of the department may capture any animal (1) which is not confined or under the immediate control of a person visiting the unit, (2) which poses a threat to public safety and welfare, to the natural or cultural resources of the unit, or to the improvements at the unit, or (3) which is a public nuisance.

(b) Peace officers may dispatch any animal which poses an immediate or continuing threat (1) to public safety and welfare or (2) to wildlife at the unit.

(c) Owners of animals with identification that have been captured or dispatched pursuant to this section shall be notified within 72 hours after capture or dispatch.

(d) This section does not apply to dogs used to lawfully pursue game in season at units of the State Park System where hunting is permitted.

(e) The authority conferred by this section on peace officers or designated employees of the department may only be exercised on or about property owned, operated, controlled, or administered by the department.

(Added by Stats. 1982, Ch. 750, Sec. 2.)