It is the ultimate object of this division to provide for statewide recordation of brands with the entire state as one branding district.
Brands and Brand Records GenerallyRequirements
Section § 20601
This law aims to create a single, unified system for recording all livestock brands across the entire state, treating it as one large branding district.
statewide recordation livestock brands branding district
Section § 20602
This law section states that brands can be officially recorded to show ownership of cattle. However, brands cannot be recorded for any other purposes.
Brands for the purpose of establishing or indicating ownership of cattle may be recorded pursuant to this chapter. Brands for other purposes shall not be recorded.
cattle ownership branding brand registration
Section § 20603
This law states that the chief is responsible for setting rules about where brands can be placed on animals. This includes different types of brands such as recorded brands and cattle record brands.
The chief shall, by regulation, prescribe the location on the animal where different types of brands, including recorded brands and cattle record brands, may be applied.
animal branding regulations locations for brands cattle brand placement
Section § 20604
This law makes it illegal for anyone to brand animals unless they follow the specific rules laid out in this chapter.
It is unlawful for any person to brand any animal except in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
animal branding illegal animal branding brand rules
Section § 20605
This law makes it illegal for anyone to use a livestock brand that is not officially recorded, has been forfeited, or has been canceled.
It is unlawful for any person to use an unrecorded, forfeited, or canceled brand.
unlawful brand use unrecorded brand forfeited brand
Section § 20606
This law makes it illegal to place a brand on an animal in any spot other than the one indicated on the official brand registration certificate.
Putting a brand in an unauthorized location counts as using a brand that hasn't been officially recorded.
It is unlawful for any person to apply a recorded brand in any location on the animal except that which is specified on the brand registration certificate.
The use of a brand on any location except that which is specified on the brand registration certificate is the same as the use of an unrecorded brand.
animal branding brand registration brand certificate
Section § 20607
In California, you can't use a brand on cattle to show ownership unless you actually own the cattle or have permission from the owner. Even then, the brand must be officially recorded in the owner's name with the Bureau of Livestock Identification.
It is unlawful for any person to use a brand on cattle indicating ownership unless the cattle are owned by him or he has been authorized by the owner of the cattle and the brand is recorded under the owner’s name and is on file with the Bureau of Livestock Identification.
cattle branding ownership permission
Section § 20608
If someone has cattle with a brand that is not officially recorded, has been taken back, or is canceled, it's assumed they branded the cattle themselves. However, this assumption can be challenged in court, meaning the person must prove otherwise if questioned.
Proof of possession or ownership of cattle with an unrecorded, forfeited, or canceled brand establishes a rebuttable presumption that the person in possession or the owner of the cattle has branded them with such brand. This presumption is a presumption affecting the burden of proof.
cattle branding unrecorded brand forfeited brand
Section § 20609
If there's a legal dispute over who owns an animal, having that animal's brand recorded can create an assumption that the person who owns the brand is also the owner of the animal. This means the brand owner doesn't have to prove ownership unless the other party provides evidence to the contrary.
Someone can prove their right to use a brand by showing a certified copy of brand records kept by the bureau.
In every suit at law or in equity, if the title to any animal is involved, proof of the brand of the animal establishes a rebuttable presumption that the owner of the brand was the owner of the animal at all times during which the brand was duly recorded as provided in this code. This presumption is a presumption affecting the burden of proof.
The right of any person to use such brand may be established by a certified copy of the brand records on file in the bureau.
animal ownership brand of the animal rebuttable presumption
Section § 20610
This California law allows cattle owners to brand cattle brought from out of state for grazing, using a brand registered in another state. To do so, the cattle's owner must get written consent from any California owner with the same brand and follow certain conditions: only brand suckling calves with their mothers, and have the herd inspected. There's a fee for the inspection and permit, which can't exceed $100. This law applies only if the cattle come from a state with a reciprocal branding program for California cattle.
(a)CA Food And Agriculture Code § 20610(a) The owner of cattle brought into this state from out of state for grazing purposes may apply to the director for a permit to allow the branding of the cattle with a brand recorded in another state. The director may issue a permit for this purpose under all of the following conditions:
(1)CA Food And Agriculture Code § 20610(a)(1) The owner of an identical brand recorded for use in this state has been notified and has given written consent for the use of the brand.
(2)CA Food And Agriculture Code § 20610(a)(2) The brand is limited to use on suckling calves which are accompanied by their mothers bearing the same brand.
(3)CA Food And Agriculture Code § 20610(a)(3) The herd is inspected by the bureau prior to branding.
(b)CA Food And Agriculture Code § 20610(b) The director may charge a fee for inspection as provided in Article 9 (commencing with Section 21281) of Chapter 6, including a time and mileage charge, to cover the cost of providing the inspection.
(c)CA Food And Agriculture Code § 20610(c) The director may establish and charge a fee to cover the cost of issuing the permit authorized by this section. The fee for the permit shall not exceed one hundred dollars ($100).
(d)CA Food And Agriculture Code § 20610(d) This section is applicable only to those cattle brought into this state from a state which has implemented a reciprocal program for cattle from this state.
cattle branding out-of-state cattle grazing permits
