Section 2-15-70 Operation of Livestock Market Without Permit, Etc.; Disposition of Fines; Injunctive Proceedings to Restrain Operation of Livestock Market in Violation of Provisions of Division.

(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to violate any of the provisions and requirements of this division or to fail or refuse to perform any duty or requirement imposed by the provisions of this division or to operate a livestock market without having a valid permit as required under the provisions of this division, and it shall also be unlawful for any person to operate a livestock market after the permit to so operate has been revoked under the provisions of this division. Each day’s operation of a livestock market without a permit shall constitute a separate violation. Any person operating a livestock market without a permit shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined not less than $50.00 nor more than $500.00 and, within the discretion of the court, may be imprisoned for a period not to exceed six months. (b) All amounts paid as fines for violations of this division, when collected by the proper authorities, shall be transmitted to the department and deposited in the State Treasury to the credit of the Agricultural Fund. (c) In addition to the penalty provided under subsection (a) of this section, the circuit court or any judge thereof shall have jurisdiction, for cause shown, to grant a temporary restraining order or a permanent injunction or both restraining and enjoining any person from operating or continuing to operate a livestock market in violation of any of the requirements of this division or operating or continuing to operate a livestock market without having a valid permit as required by this division or after such a permit has been revoked; provided, that no permanent injunction shall be issued under this subsection until notice of such pending action is directed to the livestock market operator and he is afforded a hearing on such pending proceedings as now provided by law. Petitions for injunctive relief as authorized under this subsection shall be filed in the circuit court of the county in which the livestock market operating in violation of the provisions of this division is located. Any temporary restraining order or permanent injunction issued under this subsection shall be issued without a bond. Any action commenced under this subsection based upon facts furnished by the Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries or others having knowledge thereof may be brought in the name of the State of Alabama; provided, that such action shall be brought upon the relation of the Attorney General and with his approval, and such officer shall, upon his request, be assisted by the district attorney or deputy district attorney of the judicial circuit in which injunctive proceedings are filed.