(A) The attorney general, prosecuting attorney, or city director of law to whom the director of agriculture reports any violation of sections 923.41 to 923.55 of the Revised Code or any rule adopted under those sections shall cause appropriate proceedings to be instituted in the proper court without delay and to be prosecuted in the manner required by law. Before any violation of sections 923.41 to 923.55 of the Revised Code or any rule adopted under those sections is reported to a prosecuting authority for the institution of a criminal proceeding, the person against whom the proceeding is contemplated shall be given appropriate notice and an opportunity to present his views before the director.

(B) In addition to the remedies provided and irrespective of whether any adequate remedy exists at law, the director of agriculture may apply to the court of common pleas in the county where any of the provisions of sections 923.41 to 923.55 of the Revised Code or any of the rules adopted under those sections are being violated for a temporary or permanent injunction restraining any person from the violation.

(C) Nothing in sections 923.41 to 923.55 of the Revised Code or any rule adopted under those sections shall be construed to require the director of agriculture to report for prosecution, or issue a withdrawal from distribution order, or institute seizure proceedings for minor violations of sections 923.41 to 923.55 of the Revised Code or any rule adopted under those sections whenever the director believes the public interest will best be served by a suitable written notice or warning.

Effective Date: 07-27-1990