All persons who have erected or may hereafter erect artificial dams across the inland creeks, rivers, streams or waterways of this State which prevent migratory fish from ascending the same, unless excused by the governing body of the county, shall construct proper fishways or ladders over the same, to be approved by the governing body of the county in which such dam is situated and should such persons refuse or fail so to do within thirty days after notice from the governing body of the county they shall be liable to a fine or penalty of five thousand dollars, recoverable by the county in which such dam has been or may be erected in a court of competent jurisdiction.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 28-653; 1952 Code Section 28-653; 1942 Code Section 1772-6; 1932 Code Sections 1818, 3415; Civ. C. '22 Section 1031; Cr. C. '22 Section 788; Civ. C. '12 Section 3433; Cr. C. '12 Section 771; Civ. C. '02 Section 2347; Cr. C. '02 Section 518; G. S. 1670; R. S. 404, 1848; 1871 (15) 661; 1908 (25) 1036; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1263.