A senator who voted for the bill said the power being given to the state veterinarian was frightening.
       The bill allows the state vet or his representatives to enter a farm and seize and destroy infected animals without a warrant.
       Sen. Hamilton Horton, R-Forsyth, said the bill gave the state vet more power than the governor and the courts. Sen. Fountain Odom, D-Mecklenburg, said he was concerned any time the Legislature allows searches and seizures without a warrant and due process.
       "I'm not anxious to have the people of the state under this sweeping authority," said Horton, who inserted a two-year sunset provision that requires a legislative review in 2003.
       State Veterinarian David Marshall said he opposed the sunset provision and was concerned that requiring warrants would allow a disease to spread rapidly.
       Marshall says he intended to begin destroying animals within two hours after a disease is confirmed.
     
     
     © 2001 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.    

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