(a) In exercise of his powers and duties hereunder, the Commissioner may designate agents or employees of the Department of Agriculture, or agents or employees of a humane society, to act as animal wardens for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this chapter or of any provision law relating to the prevention or prohibition of cruelty to animals. For the purposes of this chapter, or any other applicable provisions of this code, such animal wardens shall be deemed to be peace officers of the Virgin Islands.
(b) An animal warden is authorized to interfere to prevent the perpetration of any act of cruelty upon any animal and may use such force as is necessary to prevent the same, and to this end may summon to his aid any bystanders and may make arrests; Provided, That in all cases when acting under the authority of this such subsection, the animal warden must exhibit and expose a suitable badge of such authority, which badge shall be issued by the Commissioner.