KRS 257.490: Designation of employees as peace officers -- Qualifications -- Powers --

Manual.

(1) The Commissioner shall have the power to employ persons to serve as peace

officers. All persons employed as peace officers by the department shall meet the

qualifications set forth in KRS 15.380 to 15.404 concerning officer certification and

training.

(2) Officers employed by the department shall have full powers as peace officers and

shall be limited to the enforcement of Department of Agriculture statutes and

administrative regulations, except when it is necessary to enforce KRS Chapter 514

related to theft cases involving animals, KRS Chapter 516 related to forgery of

animal health certificates, or KRS Chapter 525 related to animal cruelty,

mistreatment, or torture.

(3) The department shall establish and maintain an operational procedures manual

outlining specific actions to be taken by officers pursuant to this section.