DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY 

EXECUTIVE OFFICE FOR ASSET FORFEITURE 

DIRECTIVE N0.15 

DATE: March 4, 2016 

SUBJECT: Seizure of Livestock and Registered Animals 

1. PURPOSE. This Department of the Treasury Executive Office for Asset Forfeiture (TEOAF) 

Directive No. 15 establishes Treasury policy for seizures involving livestock or registered animals. It is 

intended to provide uniformity in the application of these procedures by Treasury investigative agencies. 

2. SCOPE. This Directive applies to all seizing agencies participating in the Treasury Forfeiture Fund 

(TFF). 

3. POLICY. The decision to seize livestock or animals is multidimensional and requires extraordinary 

analysis from both an operational and economic perspective. Thoughtful pre-seizure planning and active 

engagement in post-seizure asset management decisions are imperative. The seizing agency must 

therefore consult with TEOAF before undertaking any seizure that falls within the scope of this directive. 

4. RESPONSIBILITIES. The seizing agency is required to a) engage the TEOAF property team at the 

earliest opportunity prior to executing any seizure that falls within the scope of this directive, b) ensure 

that the instructions in this directive are followed, c) remain engaged throughout the property 

management process, and d) promptly notify the TEOAF property team should any problems or potential 

problems arise 

5. PROCEDURES. 

A. Pre-seizure Planning 

(1) Pre-Seizure planning in this type of seizure is of utmost importance and should result in an initial 

determination of the estimated value of the animals targeted for seizure. Where applicable, the animals 

should be identified by name, type, number, and/or unique identifier(s) (e.g., tag number, tattoo number, 

etc.). Determining the status of the animal's lineage and registration is of prime importance because 

obtaining that documentation could drastically affect their value. The value of non-registered animals 

could be very low or even difficult to establish, whereas, registered animals typically carry a much higher 

value. 

(2) If the animals targeted for forfeiture are registered with appropriate associations (e.g., the American 

Quarter Horse Association, American Kennel Club), then every effort should be made to document the 

registration and obtain copies of the registration papers in advance of seizure. 

(3) Estimated costs for the care and management of the animals should be developed to determine the 

cost effectiveness of seizing the targeted animals. It might be necessary to identify commercial sources 

for services required for the management, care, breeding, transportation and disposal of the animals. 

This should be accomplished in conjunction with the national seized property contractor and in 

consultation with TEOAF. 

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(4) Agents of the seizing investigative agency should carefully review seizure warrants or warrants of 

arrest in rem to ensure that animals are accurately identified and courtesy copies should be provided to 

TEOAF as soon as practicable. 

(5) The seizure documents should specify that any possible offspring are also subject to forfeiture and 

that the TFF participating agency has the responsibility for taking the necessary actions to maintain the 

value of the animals. 

B. Seizure and Management 

Some of these tasks may be performed by the seizing agencies but most will be accomplished by 

disposition order to the national seized property contractor. 

(1) Appropriate animal registries should receive written notification of the seizure of specific animals to 

facilitate future sale of the animals. 

(2) Registration paperwork, inoculation, pedigree, and other related documentation should be located 

and seized as early as possible. 

(3) A veterinarian should examine animals that are seized as soon as practicable, and the results of the 

examination should be documented and maintained in the case file as well as the records of the national 

seized property contractor. 

(4) An appraisal should be completed for each animal that is seized. A professional who is 

knowledgeable about the type of livestock being appraised and who is qualified to perform the appraisal 

should accomplish the appraisal. The appraiser should be independent of any service provider or 

potential service provider. 

(5) Seized animals should be maintained in a cost-effective manner that will maintain or enhance their 

value consistent with normal industry practices. For example, maintenance for race horses includes 

recurring medical examinations and care, breeding, showing, and non-race training, all of which can be 

very expensive. Where circumstances warrant, the seizing agency should coordinate funding for these 

purposes with the national seized property contractor and the property team at TEOAF, especially if 

requesting race training. The seizing agency shall demonstrate the absolute need for this type of training. 

C. Disposition 

1) Given the costs associated with the management of livestock, in judicial cases the TFF participating 

agency, in coordination with the U.S. Attorney's Office, shall dispose of the livestock through interlocutory 

sale, when appropriate. 

2) Depending on the type and value of the seized animals, proposed disposal strategies should include 

the auction of animals through the appropriate animal associations and/or local auction houses. This 

should be coordinated by the national seized property contractor. 

6. AUTHORITY. 31 U.S.C. § 9705; Treasury Directive 27-03, "Organizations and Function of the Office 

of the Assistant Secretary (Enforcement)"; Delegation Memorandum dated May 19, 1995, "Technical 

Correction to EOAF Delegation of Authority"; and Treasury Order 102-14, March 24, 2007, "Delegation of 

Authority with Respect to the Department of the Treasury Forfeiture Fund." 

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7. INFORMATION CONTACT. All inquiries should be directed to TEOAF's Property Team at (202) 622­

9600. 

8. CANCELLATION. TEOAF Directive No. 15, "Seizures cif Livestock and Registered Animals," April 8, 

1994 is hereby superseded. 

9. EFFECTIVE DATE. March 4, 2016. 

/SI 

John Farley 

Acting Director 

TE OAF 

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