81-3-233. Penalty for removal of livestock from state without inspection — exception. A person, other than the owner or the owner’s agent or employee, who, without consent of the owner, removes or causes to be removed from this state any cow, ox, bull, stag, calf, steer, heifer, horse, mule, mare, colt, foal, or filly without having the animal inspected when inspection is required by law is guilty of a felony and shall be punished by a fine of not more than $2,000, by imprisonment in the state prison for a term of not more than 3 years, or by both. The provisions of this section do not apply to a person who removes from this state an animal specified by this section for the purpose of obtaining emergency treatment for the animal by a licensed veterinarian.