Section 27-5-10. Disposal of wild animals recaptured after escape or seized under this title

   (a) The commissioner may authorize the disposal of any wild animal regulated by this chapter which has escaped and been recaptured or any wild animal which has been seized under this title. Such disposal shall be in the manner determined by the commissioner to be in the best interest of the state and shall not be in violation of this title, provided that no such disposal shall be made until there has been a final adjudication of any civil or administrative proceeding commenced by any person authorized to do so by this title.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this title, when a wild animal regulated by this chapter has escaped, the commissioner or the commissioner's designee may authorize the destruction of the wild animal by employees or agents if it is determined that the wild animal poses a threat to the safety of human beings, threatens the well-being of wildlife populations, or if it is determined that there is very little likelihood that the wild animal can be recaptured.

Code 1933, § 45-1105, enacted by Ga. L. 1977, p. 396, § 1; Ga. L. 1978, p. 816, § 69; Ga. L. 1979, p. 1094, § 15; Ga. L. 1997, p. 1395, § 5.