(1) It is a public nuisance to keep an abandoned or diseased apiary, apiary equipment, or appliance anywhere other than in an enclosure that prohibits the entry of bees.
(2) Items listed in Subsection (1) are subject to seizure and destruction by the county bee inspector.
(3) Upon discovery of, or receipt of a written complaint concerning, an abandoned apiary site, apiary equipment, or appliance, the bee inspector shall attempt to notify the registered owner, if any.
(4)
(a) A registered owner notified under Subsection (3) shall remove the abandoned apiary, apiary equipment, or appliance or provide a bee-proof enclosure within 15 days.
(b) The bee inspector or the department shall verify the removal or protection in accordance with Subsection (4)(a) at the expiration of the 15-day period.
(c) If a registered owner does not comply with Subsection (4)(a), the bee inspector or the department may seize and destroy the abandoned apiary, apiary equipment, and appliances.
(5) A bee inspector or the department may seize and destroy an abandoned apiary, apiary equipment, or appliances if the abandoned apiary, apiary equipment, or appliances do not indicate a registered owner.