reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.52 - Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. › 16.52.025 - Humane societies—Animal control officers.

RCW 16.52.025
Humane societies—Animal control officers.
Trustees of humane societies incorporated pursuant to RCW 16.52.020 may appoint society members to act as animal control officers. The trustee appointments shall be in writing. The appointment shall be effective in a particular county only if an appointee obtains written authorization from the superior court of the county in which the appointee seeks to enforce this chapter. To obtain judicial authorization, an appointee seeking judicial authorization on or after June 9, 1994, shall provide evidence satisfactory to the judge that the appointee has successfully completed training which has prepared the appointee to assume the powers granted to animal control officers pursuant to RCW 16.52.015. The trustees shall review appointments every three years and may revoke an appointment at any time by filing a certified revocation with the superior court that approved the appointment. Authorizations shall not exceed three years or trustee termination, whichever occurs first. To qualify for reappointment when a term expires on or after June 9, 1994, the officer shall obtain training or satisfy the court that the officer has sufficient experience to exercise the powers granted to animal control officers pursuant to RCW 16.52.015.
[ 1994 c 261 § 5.]
NOTES:
Finding—Intent—1994 c 261: See note following RCW 16.52.011.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.52 - Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. › 16.52.080 - Transporting or confining in unsafe manner—Penalty.

RCW 16.52.080
Transporting or confining in unsafe manner—Penalty.
Any person who wilfully transports or confines or causes to be transported or confined any domestic animal or animals in a manner, posture or confinement that will jeopardize the safety of the animal or the public shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. And whenever any such person shall be taken into custody or be subject to arrest pursuant to a valid warrant therefor by any officer or authorized person, such officer or person may take charge of the animal or animals; and any necessary expense thereof shall be a lien thereon to be paid before the animal or animals may be recovered; and if the expense is not paid, it may be recovered from the owner of the animal or the person guilty.
[ 1982 c 114 § 5; 1974 ex.s. c 12 § 1; 1901 c 146 § 5; RRS § 3188. Prior: 1893 c 27 § 2, part; Code 1881 § 930, part.]
NOTES:
Cruelty to stock in transit: RCW 81.48.070.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.52 - Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. › 16.52.090 - Docking horses—Misdemeanor.

RCW 16.52.090
Docking horses—Misdemeanor.
Every person who shall cut or cause to be cut, or assist in cutting the solid part of the tail of any horse in the operation known as "docking," or in any other operation for the purpose of shortening the tail or changing the carriage thereof, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
[ 1901 c 146 § 6; RRS § 3189. FORMER PART OF SECTION: Code 1881 § 840; 1871 p 103 § 1; RRS § 3206, now codified as RCW 16.52.095.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.52 - Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. › 16.52.095 - Certain veterinary procedures—Misdemeanor.

RCW 16.52.095
Certain veterinary procedures—Misdemeanor.
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, it is a misdemeanor:
(a) For any person to cut off more than one-half of the ear or ears of any domestic animal such as an ox, cow, bull, calf, sheep, goat, or hog; or
(b) For any person to:
(i) Devocalize a dog;
(ii) Crop or cut off any part of the ear of a dog; or
(iii) Crop or cut off any part of the tail of a dog that is seven days old or older, or has opened its eyes, whichever occurs sooner.
(2) This section does not apply if the person performing the procedure is a licensed veterinarian utilizing accepted veterinary surgical protocols that may include local anesthesia, general anesthesia, or perioperative pain management.
[ 2020 c 158 § 4; 1994 c 261 § 7; Code 1881 § 840; 1871 p 103 § 1; RRS § 3206. Formerly RCW 16.52.090, part.]
NOTES:
Finding—Intent—1994 c 261: See note following RCW 16.52.011.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.52 - Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. › 16.52.100 - Confinement without food and water—Intervention by others.

RCW 16.52.100
Confinement without food and water—Intervention by others.
If any domestic animal is impounded or confined without necessary food and water for more than thirty-six consecutive hours, any person may, from time to time, as is necessary, enter into and open any pound or place of confinement in which any domestic animal is confined, and supply it with necessary food and water so long as it is confined. The person shall not be liable to action for the entry, and may collect from the animal's owner the reasonable cost of the food and water. The animal shall be subject to attachment for the costs and shall not be exempt from levy and sale upon execution issued upon a judgment. If an investigating officer finds it extremely difficult to supply confined animals with food and water, the officer may remove the animals to protective custody for that purpose.
[ 1994 c 261 § 10; 1982 c 114 § 6; 1901 c 146 § 12; RRS § 3195.]
NOTES:
Finding—Intent—1994 c 261: See note following RCW 16.52.011.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.52 - Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. › 16.52.117 - Animal fighting—Prohibited behavior—Penalty—Exceptions.

RCW 16.52.117
Animal fighting—Prohibited behavior—Penalty—Exceptions.
(1) A person commits the crime of animal fighting if the person knowingly does any of the following or causes a minor to do any of the following:
(a) Owns, possesses, keeps, breeds, trains, buys, sells, or advertises or offers for sale any animal with the intent that the animal shall be engaged in an exhibition of fighting with another animal;
(b) Promotes, organizes, conducts, participates in, is a spectator of, advertises, prepares, or performs any service in the furtherance of, an exhibition of animal fighting, transports spectators to an animal fight, or provides or serves as a stakeholder for any money wagered on an animal fight;
(c) Keeps or uses any place for the purpose of animal fighting, or manages or accepts payment of admission to any place kept or used for the purpose of animal fighting;
(d) Suffers or permits any place over which the person has possession or control to be occupied, kept, or used for the purpose of an exhibition of animal fighting;
(e) Steals, takes, leads away, possesses, confines, sells, transfers, or receives an animal with the intent of using the animal for animal fighting, or for training or baiting for the purpose of animal fighting; or
(f) Owns, possesses, buys, sells, transfers, or manufactures animal fighting paraphernalia for the purpose of engaging in, promoting, or facilitating animal fighting, or for baiting a live animal for the purpose of animal fighting.
(2)(a) Except as provided in (b) of this subsection, a person who violates this section is guilty of a class C felony punishable under RCW 9A.20.021;
(b) A person who intentionally mutilates an animal in furtherance of an animal fighting offense as described in subsection (1) of this section is guilty of a class B felony punishable under RCW 9A.20.021.
(3) Nothing in this section prohibits the following:
(a) The use of dogs in the management of livestock, as defined by chapter 16.57 RCW, by the owner of the livestock or the owner's employees or agents or other persons in lawful custody of the livestock;
(b) The use of dogs in hunting as permitted by law; or
(c) The training of animals or the use of equipment in the training of animals for any purpose not prohibited by law.
(4) For the purposes of this section, "animal fighting paraphernalia" includes equipment, products, implements, or materials of any kind that are used, intended for use, or designed for use in the training, preparation, conditioning, or furtherance of animal fighting, and includes, but is not limited to: Cat mills; fighting pits; springpoles; unprescribed veterinary medicine; treatment supplies; and gaffs, slashers, heels, and any other sharp implement designed to be attached in place of the natural spur of a cock or game fowl.
[ 2019 c 174 § 1; 2015 c 235 § 3; 2006 c 287 § 1; 2005 c 481 § 3; 1994 c 261 § 11; 1982 c 114 § 9.]
NOTES:
Finding—Intent—1994 c 261: See note following RCW 16.52.011.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.52 - Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. › 16.52.180 - Limitations on application of chapter.

RCW 16.52.180
Limitations on application of chapter.
No part of this chapter shall be deemed to interfere with any of the laws of this state known as the "game laws," nor be deemed to interfere with the right to destroy any venomous reptile or any known as dangerous to life, limb or property, or to interfere with the right to kill animals to be used for food or with any properly conducted scientific experiments or investigations, which experiments or investigations shall be performed only under the authority of the faculty of some regularly incorporated college or university of the state of Washington or a research facility registered with the United States department of agriculture and regulated by 7 U.S.C. Sec. 2131 et seq.
[ 1994 c 261 § 12; 1901 c 146 § 18; RRS § 3201.]
NOTES:
Finding—Intent—1994 c 261: See note following RCW 16.52.011.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.52 - Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. › 16.52.185 - Exclusions from chapter.

RCW 16.52.185
Exclusions from chapter.
Nothing in this chapter applies to accepted husbandry practices used in the commercial raising or slaughtering of livestock or poultry, or products thereof or to the use of animals in the normal and usual course of rodeo events or to the customary use or exhibiting of animals in normal and usual events at fairs as defined in RCW 15.76.120.
[ 1994 c 261 § 22; 1982 c 114 § 10.]
NOTES:
Finding—Intent—1994 c 261: See note following RCW 16.52.011.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.52 - Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. › 16.52.190 - Poisoning animals—Penalty.

RCW 16.52.190
Poisoning animals—Penalty.
(1) Except as provided in subsections (2) and (3) of this section, a person is guilty of the crime of poisoning animals if the person intentionally or knowingly poisons an animal under circumstances which do not constitute animal cruelty in the first degree.
(2) Subsection (1) of this section shall not apply to euthanizing by poison an animal in a lawful and humane manner by the animal's owner, or by a duly authorized servant or agent of the owner, or by a person acting pursuant to instructions from a duly constituted public authority.
(3) Subsection (1) of this section shall not apply to the reasonable use of rodent or pest poison, insecticides, fungicides, or slug bait for their intended purposes. As used in this section, the term "rodent" includes but is not limited to Columbia ground squirrels, other ground squirrels, rats, mice, gophers, rabbits, and any other rodent designated as injurious to the agricultural interests of the state as provided in *chapter 17.16 RCW. The term "pest" as used in this section includes any pest as defined in RCW 17.21.020.
(4) A person violating this section is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
[ 2003 c 53 § 111; 1994 c 261 § 13; 1941 c 105 § 1; RRS § 3207-1. Formerly RCW 16.52.150, part.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: Chapter 17.16 RCW was repealed by 1994 c 11 § 1.
Intent—Effective date—2003 c 53: See notes following RCW 2.48.180.
Finding—Intent—1994 c 261: See note following RCW 16.52.011.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.52 - Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. › 16.52.193 - Poisoning animals—Strychnine sales—Records—Report on suspected purchases.

RCW 16.52.193
Poisoning animals—Strychnine sales—Records—Report on suspected purchases.
(1) It is unlawful for any person other than a registered pharmacist to sell at retail or furnish to any person any strychnine: PROVIDED, That nothing herein prohibits county, state, or federal agents, in the course of their duties, from furnishing strychnine to any person. Every such registered pharmacist selling or furnishing such strychnine shall, before delivering the same, record the transaction as provided in RCW 69.38.030. If any such registered pharmacist suspects that any person desiring to purchase strychnine intends to use the same for the purpose of poisoning unlawfully any domestic animal or domestic bird, he or she may refuse to sell to such person, but whether or not he or she makes such sale, he or she shall if he or she so suspects an intention to use the strychnine unlawfully, immediately notify the nearest peace officer, giving such officer a complete description of the person purchasing, or attempting to purchase, such strychnine.
(2) A person violating this section is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
[ 2003 c 53 § 112; 1987 c 34 § 7; 1941 c 105 § 2; Rem. Supp. 1941 § 3207-2. Formerly RCW 18.67.110.]
NOTES:
Intent—Effective date—2003 c 53: See notes following RCW 2.48.180.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.52 - Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. › 16.52.207 - Animal cruelty in the second degree—Penalty.

RCW 16.52.207
Animal cruelty in the second degree—Penalty.
(1) A person is guilty of animal cruelty in the second degree if, under circumstances not amounting to first degree animal cruelty:
(a) The person knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence inflicts unnecessary suffering or pain upon an animal; or
(b) The person takes control, custody, or possession of an animal that was involved in animal fighting as described in RCW 16.52.117 and knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence abandons the animal.
(2) An owner of an animal is guilty of animal cruelty in the second degree if, under circumstances not amounting to first degree animal cruelty, the owner knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence:
(a) Fails to provide the animal with necessary shelter, rest, sanitation, space, or medical attention and the animal suffers unnecessary or unjustifiable physical pain as a result of the failure; or
(b) Abandons the animal.
(3) Animal cruelty in the second degree is a gross misdemeanor.
[ 2020 c 158 § 7; 2019 c 174 § 2; 2011 c 172 § 5; 2007 c 376 § 1; 2005 c 481 § 2; 1994 c 261 § 9.]
NOTES:
Finding—Intent—1994 c 261: See note following RCW 16.52.011.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.52 - Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. › 16.52.210 - Destruction of animal by law enforcement officer—Immunity from liability.

RCW 16.52.210
Destruction of animal by law enforcement officer—Immunity from liability.
This chapter shall not limit the right of a law enforcement officer to destroy an animal that has been seriously injured and would otherwise continue to suffer. Such action shall be undertaken with reasonable prudence and, whenever possible, in consultation with a licensed veterinarian and the owner of the animal.
Law enforcement officers and licensed veterinarians shall be immune from civil and criminal liability for actions taken under this chapter if reasonable prudence is exercised in carrying out the provisions of this chapter.
[ 1987 c 335 § 3.]
NOTES:
Construction—Severability—1987 c 335: See notes following RCW 16.52.085.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.52 - Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. › 16.52.225 - Nonambulatory livestock—Transporting or accepting delivery—Gross misdemeanor—Definition.

RCW 16.52.225
Nonambulatory livestock—Transporting or accepting delivery—Gross misdemeanor—Definition.
(1) Unless otherwise cited for a civil infraction by the department of agriculture under RCW 16.36.116(2), a person is guilty of a gross misdemeanor punishable as provided in RCW 9A.20.021 if he or she knowingly transports or accepts delivery of live nonambulatory livestock to, from, or between any livestock market, feedlot, slaughtering facility, or similar facility that trades in livestock. The transport or acceptance of each nonambulatory livestock animal is considered a separate and distinct violation.
(2) Nonambulatory livestock must be humanely euthanized before transport to, from, or between locations listed in subsection (1) of this section.
(3) Livestock that was ambulatory prior to transport to a feedlot and becomes nonambulatory because of an injury sustained during transport may be unloaded and placed in a separate pen for rehabilitation at the feedlot.
(4) For the purposes of this section, "nonambulatory livestock" means cattle, sheep, swine, goats, horses, mules, or other equine that cannot rise from a recumbent position or cannot walk, including but not limited to those with broken appendages, severed tendons or ligaments, nerve paralysis, a fractured vertebral column, or metabolic conditions.
[ 2009 c 347 § 2; 2004 c 234 § 1.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2004 c 234: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [March 31, 2004]." [ 2004 c 234 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.52 - Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. › 16.52.230 - Remedies not impaired.

RCW 16.52.230
Remedies not impaired.
No provision of RCW 9.08.070 through 9.08.078 or 16.52.220 shall in any way interfere with or impair the operation of any other provision of this chapter or Title 28B RCW, relating to higher education or biomedical research. The provisions of RCW 9.08.070 through 9.08.078 and 16.52.220 are cumulative and nonexclusive and shall not affect any other remedy.
[ 2003 c 53 § 114; 1989 c 359 § 5.]
NOTES:
Intent—Effective date—2003 c 53: See notes following RCW 2.48.180.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.52 - Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. › 16.52.300 - Dogs or cats used as bait—Seizure—Limitation.

RCW 16.52.300
Dogs or cats used as bait—Seizure—Limitation.
(1) If any person commits the crime of animal cruelty in the first or second degree by using or trapping to use domestic dogs or cats as bait, prey, or targets for the purpose of training dogs or other animals to track, fight, or hunt, law enforcement officers or animal control officers shall seize and hold the animals being trained. The seized animals shall be disposed of by the court pursuant to the provisions of RCW 16.52.200(3).
(2) This section shall not in any way interfere with or impair the operation of any provision of Title 28B RCW, relating to higher education or biomedical research.
[ 1994 c 261 § 15; 1990 c 226 § 1.]
NOTES:
Finding—Intent—1994 c 261: See note following RCW 16.52.011.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.52 - Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. › 16.52.305 - Unlawful use of hook—Gross misdemeanor.

RCW 16.52.305
Unlawful use of hook—Gross misdemeanor.
(1) A person is guilty of the unlawful use of a hook if the person utilizes, or attempts to use, a hook with the intent to pierce the flesh or mouth of a bird or mammal.
(2) Unlawful use of a hook is a gross misdemeanor.
[ 2004 c 220 § 1.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2004 c 220: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [March 29, 2004]." [ 2004 c 220 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.52 - Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. › 16.52.320 - Maliciously killing or causing substantial bodily harm to livestock belonging to another—Penalty.

RCW 16.52.320
Maliciously killing or causing substantial bodily harm to livestock belonging to another—Penalty.
(1) It is unlawful for a person to, with malice, kill or cause substantial bodily harm to livestock belonging to another person.
(2) A violation of this section constitutes a class C felony.
[ 2015 c 235 § 4; 2011 c 67 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.52 - Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. › 16.52.330 - Veterinarians—Animal cruelty—Liability immunity.

RCW 16.52.330
Veterinarians—Animal cruelty—Liability immunity.
A veterinarian lawfully licensed in this state to practice veterinary medicine, surgery, and dentistry who reports, in good faith and in the normal course of business, a suspected incident of animal cruelty that is punishable under this chapter to the proper authorities is immune from liability in any civil or criminal action brought against such veterinarian for reporting the suspected incident. The immunity provided in this section applies only if the veterinarian receives no financial benefit from the suspected incident of animal cruelty beyond charges for services rendered prior to the veterinarian making the initial report.
[ 2013 c 245 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.52 - Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. › 16.52.340 - Leave or confine any animal in unattended motor vehicle or enclosed space—Class 2 civil infraction—Officers' authority to reasonably remove animal.

RCW 16.52.340
Leave or confine any animal in unattended motor vehicle or enclosed space—Class 2 civil infraction—Officers' authority to reasonably remove animal.
(1) It is a class 2 civil infraction under RCW 7.80.120 to leave or confine any animal unattended in a motor vehicle or enclosed space if the animal could be harmed or killed by exposure to excessive heat, cold, lack of ventilation, or lack of necessary water.
(2) To protect the health and safety of an animal, an animal control officer or law enforcement officer who reasonably believes that an animal is suffering or is likely to suffer harm from exposure to excessive heat, cold, lack of ventilation, or lack of necessary water is authorized to enter a vehicle or enclosed space to remove an animal by any means reasonable under the circumstances if no other person is present in the immediate area who has access to the vehicle or enclosed space and who will immediately remove the animal. An animal control officer, law enforcement officer, or the department or agency employing such an officer is not liable for any damage to property resulting from actions taken under this section.
(3) Nothing in this section prevents the person who has confined the animal in the vehicle or enclosed space from being convicted of separate offenses for animal cruelty under RCW 16.52.205 or 16.52.207.
[ 2015 c 235 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.54 - Abandoned Animals. › 16.54.010 - When deemed abandoned.

RCW 16.54.010
When deemed abandoned.
An animal is deemed to be abandoned under the provisions of this chapter when it is placed in the custody of a veterinarian, boarding kennel owner, or any person for treatment, board, or care and:
(1) Having been placed in such custody for an unspecified period of time the animal is not removed within fifteen days after notice to remove the animal has been given to the person who placed the animal in such custody or having been so notified the person depositing the animal refuses or fails to pay agreed upon or reasonable charges for the treatment, board, or care of such animal, or;
(2) Having been placed in such custody for a specified period of time the animal is not removed at the end of such specified period or the person depositing the animal refuses to pay agreed upon or reasonable charges for the treatment, board, or care of such animal.
[ 1977 ex.s. c 67 § 1; 1955 c 190 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.54 - Abandoned Animals. › 16.54.020 - Disposition of abandoned animal by person having custody.

RCW 16.54.020
Disposition of abandoned animal by person having custody.
Any person having in his or her care, custody, or control any abandoned animal as defined in RCW 16.54.010, may deliver such animal to any animal care and control agency as defined in RCW 16.52.011 or to an animal rescue group as defined in RCW 82.04.040 having the facilities and resources necessary for the care of such animals. If such an animal care and control agency or animal rescue group cannot reasonably be identified to receive the animal, the person with whom the animal was abandoned may notify the sheriff of the county wherein the abandonment occurred.
[ 2020 c 158 § 8; 2011 c 336 § 425; 1955 c 190 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.54 - Abandoned Animals. › 16.54.030 - Duty of sheriff—Sale—Disposition of proceeds.

RCW 16.54.030
Duty of sheriff—Sale—Disposition of proceeds.
It shall be the duty of the sheriff of such county upon being so notified, to dispose of such animal as provided by law in reference to estrays if such law is applicable to the animal abandoned, or if not so applicable then deliver such an animal to any animal care and control agency as defined in RCW 16.52.011 or to an animal rescue group as defined in RCW 82.04.040 having the facilities and resources necessary for the care of such an animal. If such an animal care and control agency or animal rescue group cannot reasonably be identified to receive the animal, then such an animal shall be sold by the sheriff at public auction. Notice of any such sale shall be given by posting a notice in three public places in the county at least ten days prior to such public sale. Proceeds of such sale shall be paid to the county treasurer for deposit in the county general fund.
[ 2020 c 158 § 9; 1955 c 190 § 3.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.57 - Identification of Livestock. › 16.57.020 - Livestock brands—Director is the recorder—Recording fee.

RCW 16.57.020
Livestock brands—Director is the recorder—Recording fee.
The director shall be the recorder of livestock brands and such brands shall not be recorded elsewhere in this state. Any person desiring to record a livestock brand shall apply on a form prescribed by the director. The application shall be accompanied by a facsimile of the brand applied for and a one hundred thirty-two dollar recording fee. The director shall, upon his or her satisfaction that the application and brand facsimile meet the requirements of this chapter and its rules, record the brand. The director must establish a staggered brand record renewal schedule and may adopt an annual or biennial renewal schedule if necessary. The application to transfer a brand shall be accompanied by a notarized form that includes a facsimile of the brand, a description, information about the current owners, and a twenty-seven dollar and fifty cent transfer fee. If the application to transfer a brand is for a legacy brand, the application must be accompanied by a one hundred dollar transfer fee. For purposes of this section, "legacy brand" means a brand that has been in continuous use for at least twenty-five years.
[ 2019 c 92 § 2; 2003 c 326 § 4; 1994 c 46 § 7; 1971 ex.s. c 135 § 1; 1965 c 66 § 1; 1959 c 54 § 2.]
NOTES:
Effective date—1994 c 46: See note following RCW 15.58.070.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.57 - Identification of Livestock. › 16.57.023 - Permanent renewal of brands—Heritage brands—Fees.

RCW 16.57.023
Permanent renewal of brands—Heritage brands—Fees.
The director may adopt rules establishing criteria and fees for the permanent renewal of brands registered with the department but renewed as livestock heritage brands. Such heritage brands are not intended for use on livestock.
[ 2003 c 326 § 5; 1998 c 263 § 5.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.57 - Identification of Livestock. › 16.57.030 - Tattoo brands and marks not recordable.

RCW 16.57.030
Tattoo brands and marks not recordable.
The director shall not record tattoo brands or marks for any purpose.
[ 2003 c 326 § 7; 1959 c 54 § 3.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.57 - Identification of Livestock. › 16.57.040 - Production record brands.

RCW 16.57.040
Production record brands.
The director may provide for the use of production record brands. Numbers for such brands shall be issued at the discretion of the director and shall be placed on livestock immediately below the recorded ownership brand or any other location prescribed by the director.
[ 2003 c 326 § 8; 1974 ex.s. c 64 § 1; 1959 c 54 § 4.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.57 - Identification of Livestock. › 16.57.050 - Use of unrecorded brand prohibited—Exception.

RCW 16.57.050
Use of unrecorded brand prohibited—Exception.
No person shall place a brand on livestock for any purpose unless the brand is recorded with the director in the person's name.
[ 2003 c 326 § 9; 1959 c 54 § 5.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.57 - Identification of Livestock. › 16.57.060 - Brands similar to governmental brands not to be recorded.

RCW 16.57.060
Brands similar to governmental brands not to be recorded.
No brand shall be recorded for ownership purposes which will be applied in the same location and is similar or identical to a brand used or reserved for ownership or health purposes by a governmental agency or the agent of such an agency.
[ 1959 c 54 § 6.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.57 - Identification of Livestock. › 16.57.070 - Conflicting claims to brand.

RCW 16.57.070
Conflicting claims to brand.
The director shall determine conflicting claims between applicants to a brand, and in so doing shall consider the priority of applicants.
[ 1959 c 54 § 7.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.57 - Identification of Livestock. › 16.57.080 - Renewal of recorded brands—Schedule—Fee—Failure to pay.

RCW 16.57.080
Renewal of recorded brands—Schedule—Fee—Failure to pay.
The director shall establish by rule a schedule for the renewal of recorded brands. The fee for renewal of a recorded brand shall be one hundred twenty dollars for each four-year period of brand ownership, except that the director may, in adopting a renewal schedule, provide for the collection of renewal fees on a prorated basis. At least sixty days before the expiration of a recorded brand, the director shall notify by letter the owner of record of the brand that on the payment of the renewal fee the director shall issue proof of payment allowing the brand owner exclusive ownership and use of the brand for the subsequent ownership period. The failure of the owner to pay the renewal fee by the date required by rule shall cause ownership of the brand to expire. For one year following the expiration, the director shall record the brand only to the prior owner upon payment of the renewal fee and a late fee of twenty-five dollars. If the brand is not recorded within one year to the prior owner, the director may issue the brand to any other applicant.
[ 2003 c 326 § 10; 1994 c 46 § 16; 1993 c 354 § 5; 1991 c 110 § 1; 1974 ex.s. c 64 § 2; 1971 ex.s. c 135 § 2; 1965 c 66 § 3; 1961 c 148 § 1; 1959 c 54 § 8.]
NOTES:
Effective date—1994 c 46: See note following RCW 15.58.070.
Prior legislative approval—1994 c 46: See note following RCW 16.65.030.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.57 - Identification of Livestock. › 16.57.090 - Brand is personal property—Instruments affecting title, recording, effect—Fee—Nonliability of director for agents.

RCW 16.57.090
Brand is personal property—Instruments affecting title, recording, effect—Fee—Nonliability of director for agents.
A brand is the personal property of the owner of record. Any instrument affecting the title of the brand shall be executed by the recorded owner and acknowledged by a notary public. The director shall record the instrument upon presentation and payment of a recording fee of twenty-five dollars. The recording shall be constructive notice to all the world of the existence and conditions affecting the title to the brand. A copy of all records concerning the brand, certified by the director, shall be received in evidence to all intent and purposes as the original instrument. The director shall not be personally liable for failure of the director's agents to properly record the instrument.
[ 2003 c 326 § 11; 1994 c 46 § 17; 1993 c 354 § 6; 1974 ex.s. c 64 § 3; 1965 c 66 § 2; 1959 c 54 § 9.]
NOTES:
Effective date—1994 c 46: See note following RCW 15.58.070.
Prior legislative approval—1994 c 46: See note following RCW 16.65.030.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.57 - Identification of Livestock. › 16.57.100 - Right to use brand—Brand as evidence of title.

RCW 16.57.100
Right to use brand—Brand as evidence of title.
The right to use a brand shall be evidenced by the original certificate issued by the director showing that the brand is of present record or a certified copy of the record of the brand showing that it is of present record. A healed brand of record on livestock shall be prima facie evidence that the recorded owner of the brand has legal title to the livestock and is entitled to its possession. The director may require additional proof of ownership for any animal showing more than one healed brand.
[ 2003 c 326 § 12; 1971 ex.s. c 135 § 3; 1959 c 54 § 10.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.57 - Identification of Livestock. › 16.57.105 - Preemptory right to use brand.

RCW 16.57.105
Preemptory right to use brand.
Any person having a brand recorded with the department shall have a preemptory right to use such brand and its design under any newly approved method of branding adopted by the director.
[ 1967 c 240 § 38.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.57 - Identification of Livestock. › 16.57.110 - Size and characteristics of brand.

RCW 16.57.110
Size and characteristics of brand.
No brand shall be placed on livestock that is not permanent in nature and of a size that is not readily visible. The director, in order to assure that brands are readily visible, may prescribe the size of branding irons to be used for ownership brands.
[ 1959 c 54 § 11.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.57 - Identification of Livestock. › 16.57.120 - Removal or alteration of brand—Penalty.

RCW 16.57.120
Removal or alteration of brand—Penalty.
No person shall remove or alter a brand of record on livestock without first having secured the written permission of the director. Violation of this section is a gross misdemeanor.
[ 2003 c 326 § 13; 1991 c 110 § 2; 1959 c 54 § 12.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.57 - Identification of Livestock. › 16.57.130 - Similar brands not to be recorded.

RCW 16.57.130
Similar brands not to be recorded.
The director shall not record a brand that is identical to a brand of present record; nor a brand so similar to a brand of present record that it will be difficult to distinguish between the brands when applied to livestock.
[ 2003 c 326 § 14; 1959 c 54 § 13.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.57 - Identification of Livestock. › 16.57.140 - Certified copy of record of brand—Fee.

RCW 16.57.140
Certified copy of record of brand—Fee.
The owner of a brand of record may obtain from the director a certified copy of the record of the owner's brand upon payment of a fee of fifteen dollars.
[ 2003 c 326 § 15; 1994 c 46 § 18; 1993 c 354 § 7; 1974 ex.s. c 64 § 4; 1959 c 54 § 14.]
NOTES:
Effective date—1994 c 46: See note following RCW 15.58.070.
Prior legislative approval—1994 c 46: See note following RCW 16.65.030.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.57 - Identification of Livestock. › 16.57.150 - Brand book—Contents—Costs.

RCW 16.57.150
Brand book—Contents—Costs.
The director shall publish a book to be known as the "Washington State Brand Book", showing all the brands of record. The book shall contain the name and address of the owners of brands of record and a copy of the livestock identification laws and rules. Supplements to the brand book showing newly recorded brands, amendments, or newly adopted rules shall be published at the discretion of the director. Whenever the director deems it necessary, the director may publish a new brand book. The director may collect moneys to recover the reasonable costs of publishing and distributing copies of the brand book.
[ 2003 c 326 § 16; 1974 ex.s. c 64 § 5; 1959 c 54 § 15.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.57 - Identification of Livestock. › 16.57.165 - Agreements with others to perform livestock inspection.

RCW 16.57.165
Agreements with others to perform livestock inspection.
The director may, in order to reduce the cost of inspection to livestock owners, enter into agreements with any qualified county, municipal, or other local law enforcement agency, or qualified individuals for the purpose of performing livestock inspection in areas where inspection by the director may not readily be available.
[ 2003 c 326 § 19; 1971 ex.s. c 135 § 6.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.57 - Identification of Livestock. › 16.57.170 - Inspection of livestock, hides, records.

RCW 16.57.170
Inspection of livestock, hides, records.
The director may enter at any reasonable time any slaughterhouse or public livestock market to inspect livestock or hides, and may enter at any reasonable time an establishment where hides are held to inspect them for brands or other means of identification. The director may enter any of these premises at any reasonable time to examine all books and records required by law in matters relating to livestock identification. For purposes of this section, "any reasonable time" means during regular business hours or during any working shift.
[ 2003 c 326 § 20; 1959 c 54 § 17.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.57 - Identification of Livestock. › 16.57.180 - Search warrants.

RCW 16.57.180
Search warrants.
Should the director be denied access to any premises or establishment where access was sought for the purposes set forth in RCW 16.57.170, the director may apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for a search warrant authorizing access to the premises or establishment for those purposes. The court may upon application, issue the search warrant for the purposes requested.
[ 2003 c 326 § 21; 1959 c 54 § 18.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.57 - Identification of Livestock. › 16.57.200 - Duty of owner or agent—Livestock inspection.

RCW 16.57.200
Duty of owner or agent—Livestock inspection.
Any owner or his or her agent shall make livestock being inspected readily accessible and shall cooperate with the director to carry out the inspection in a safe and expeditious manner.
[ 2003 c 326 § 22; 1959 c 54 § 20.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.57 - Identification of Livestock. › 16.57.210 - Arrest without warrant.

RCW 16.57.210
Arrest without warrant.
The director shall have authority to arrest without warrant anywhere in the state any person found in the act of, or whom the director has reason to believe is guilty of, transporting, holding, selling, or slaughtering stolen livestock. Any person arrested by the director shall be turned over to the county sheriff or other local law enforcement officer where the arrest was made, as quickly as possible.
[ 2003 c 326 § 23; 1959 c 54 § 21.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.57 - Identification of Livestock. › 16.57.223 - Payment of inspection fee—Due at inspection—Lien—Late fee.

RCW 16.57.223
Payment of inspection fee—Due at inspection—Lien—Late fee.
(1) Any inspection fee shall be paid to the department by the owner or person in possession of the livestock unless the inspection is requested by the purchaser and then the fee shall be paid by the purchaser.
(2) Except as provided by rule, the inspection fee is due and payable at the time inspection is performed and shall be paid upon billing by the department and, if not, constitutes a prior lien on the cattle or cattle hides or horses or horse hides inspected until the fee is paid.
(3) A late fee of one and one-half percent per month shall be assessed on the unpaid balance against persons more than thirty days in arrears.
[ 2003 c 326 § 25.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.57 - Identification of Livestock. › 16.57.230 - Charges for livestock inspection—Actual inspection required.

RCW 16.57.230
Charges for livestock inspection—Actual inspection required.
No person shall collect or make a charge for inspection of livestock unless there has been an actual inspection of the livestock.
[ 2003 c 326 § 26; 1995 c 374 § 50; 1959 c 54 § 23.]
NOTES:
Effective date—1995 c 374 §§ 1-47, 50-53, and 59-68: See note following RCW 15.36.012.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.57 - Identification of Livestock. › 16.57.240 - Certificates of permit, inspection, self-inspection.

RCW 16.57.240
Certificates of permit, inspection, self-inspection.
(1) Certificates of permit, inspection certificates, and self-inspection certificates meeting the requirements of RCW 16.57.160 shall show the owner, number, breed, sex, brand, or other method of identification of the cattle or horses and any other necessary information required by the director.
(2) The director may issue certificate of permit forms to any person on payment of a fee established by rule.
(3) Certificates of permit, inspection certificates, self-inspection certificates meeting the requirements of RCW 16.57.160, or other satisfactory proof of ownership shall be kept by the owner and/or person in possession of any cattle and shall be furnished to the director or any peace officer upon demand.
(4) A self-inspection certificate meeting the requirements of RCW 16.57.160 is not valid if proof of ownership had not been provided by the seller to the buyer for cattle bearing brands not recorded to the seller.
[ 2010 c 66 § 8; 2003 c 326 § 27; 1995 c 374 § 51; 1991 c 110 § 4; 1985 c 415 § 8; 1981 c 296 § 18; 1959 c 54 § 24.]
NOTES:
Effective date—1995 c 374 §§ 1-47, 50-53, and 59-68: See note following RCW 15.36.012.
Severability—1981 c 296: See note following RCW 15.08.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.57 - Identification of Livestock. › 16.57.243 - Moving or transporting cattle—Certificate or proof of ownership must accompany—Exceptions.

RCW 16.57.243
Moving or transporting cattle—Certificate or proof of ownership must accompany—Exceptions.
(1) Cattle may not be moved or transported within Washington state without being accompanied by a certificate of permit, inspection certificate, self-inspection certificate meeting the requirements of RCW 16.57.160, or other satisfactory proof of ownership, except when the cattle are moved or transported:
(a) Upon lands under the exclusive control of the person moving or transporting the cattle; or
(b) For temporary grazing or feeding purposes and have the recorded brand of the person having or transporting the cattle.
(2) Certificates of permit, inspection certificates, self-inspection certificates meeting the requirements of RCW 16.57.160, or other satisfactory proof of ownership accompanying cattle being moved or transported within Washington state shall be subject to inspection at any time by the director or any peace officer.
[ 2010 c 66 § 9; 2003 c 326 § 28.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.57 - Identification of Livestock. › 16.57.245 - Authority to stop vehicles carrying cattle or horses.

RCW 16.57.245
Authority to stop vehicles carrying cattle or horses.
The director or any peace officer may stop vehicles carrying cattle or horses to determine if the livestock being transported are accompanied by a certificate of permit, inspection certificate, self-inspection certificate meeting the requirements of RCW 16.57.010, or other satisfactory proof of ownership, as determined by the director.
[ 2010 c 66 § 10; 2003 c 326 § 29.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.57 - Identification of Livestock. › 16.57.260 - Removal of cattle or horses from state—Inspection certificate required.

RCW 16.57.260
Removal of cattle or horses from state—Inspection certificate required.
It is unlawful for any person to remove or cause to be removed or accept for removal from this state, any cattle or horses which are not accompanied at all times by an inspection certificate on such cattle or horses, except as provided by rule adopted under this chapter.
[ 2003 c 326 § 30; 1981 c 296 § 19; 1959 c 54 § 26.]
NOTES:
Severability—1981 c 296: See note following RCW 15.08.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.57 - Identification of Livestock. › 16.57.267 - Failure to present animal for inspection.

RCW 16.57.267
Failure to present animal for inspection.
It is unlawful for any person to fail to present an animal for inspection at any mandatory inspection point designated by the director by rule under this chapter.
[ 2003 c 326 § 31.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.57 - Identification of Livestock. › 16.57.270 - Unlawful to refuse assistance in establishing identity and ownership of livestock.

RCW 16.57.270
Unlawful to refuse assistance in establishing identity and ownership of livestock.
It is unlawful for any person moving or transporting livestock in this state to refuse to assist the director or any peace officer in establishing the identity and ownership of the livestock being moved or transported.
[ 2003 c 326 § 32; 1959 c 54 § 27.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.57 - Identification of Livestock. › 16.57.275 - Transporting cattle carcass or primal part—Certificate of permit required.

RCW 16.57.275
Transporting cattle carcass or primal part—Certificate of permit required.
Any cattle carcass, or primal part thereof, of any breed or age being transported in this state from other than a state or federal licensed and inspected slaughterhouse or common carrier hauling for the slaughterhouse, shall be accompanied by a certificate of permit signed by the owner of the carcass or primal part thereof and, if the carcass or primal part is delivered to a facility custom handling the carcasses or primal parts thereof, the certificate of permit shall be deposited with the owner or manager of the custom handling facility and the certificate of permit shall be retained for a period of one year and be made available to the department for inspection during regular business hours or any working shift.
[ 2003 c 326 § 33; 1967 c 240 § 37.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.57 - Identification of Livestock. › 16.57.277 - Custom slaughter beef tags—Fee—Rules.

RCW 16.57.277
Custom slaughter beef tags—Fee—Rules.
Any person licensed as a custom farm slaughterer under RCW 16.49.035 shall complete and attach a custom slaughter beef tag to each of the four quarters of all slaughtered cattle handled by the slaughterer. The tags must remain on the quarters until the quarters are cut and wrapped. Only the director may provide custom slaughter beef tags to custom farm slaughterers. The fee for each set of four custom slaughter beef tags is as prescribed in WAC 16-607-100 as it existed on January 1, 2000. The director may, by rule, establish criteria for the use of custom slaughter beef tags.
[ 2000 c 99 § 14.]