The commissioner shall report to the attorney general, and he shall institute and prosecute suits and actions to enjoin violations of articles 40 to 46 of this title or violations of orders or decisions of the commissioner rendered pursuant to said articles and to enforce any civil penalties provided by said articles. The commissioner shall notify the proper district attorney of any violation of the provisions of articles 40 to 46 of this title which constitutes a felony or misdemeanor, and such district attorney shall forthwith prosecute the person charged with such offense. Upon failure or refusal of the district attorney to so prosecute, it shall be the duty of the attorney general to conduct such prosecution.