Brands

Wyo. Stat. Ann. tit. 11, ch. 20
in effect

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-101 Definitions.

(a) As used in this act: (i) "Agency" means the corporation, if any, designated by the board as its authorized representative to carry out the functions to be performed by the board and if there is no such agency, then it means the board; (ii) "Board" means the Wyoming livestock board; (iii) "Inspectors" means those persons appointed by the agency to execute the duties prescribed by law, rules, regulations and orders for the protection of the livestock industry in Wyoming; (iv) "Livestock" means cattle, horses, mules, asses and sheep. The board acting in conjunction with the game and fish commission may designate individual bison or identifiable herds of bison as wildlife; (v) "Stock drover" means any person driving livestock through any county in Wyoming; (vi) "Stock owner" means any person who owns livestock; (vii) "This act" means W.S. 11-19-101 through 11-19-506, 11-20-101 through 11-24-115 and 11-30-101 through 11-30-115; (viii) "Brand" means a brand, mark or other board approved means of identification including any electronic device used for livestock identification.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-102 Stock running at large to be branded.

Every stock owner allowing his livestock over six (6) months old to run at large or mingle with livestock other than his own, shall brand his livestock with his recorded brand.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-103 Brands; application; contents; recording fees; refund; disposition thereof.

(a) Any person desiring to adopt any brand to be used to brand livestock in this state, shall before using the brand make application to the Wyoming livestock board. The application shall: (i) Contain a facsimile or a description of the brand; (ii) State the species of livestock for which the brand is to be used; (iii) State the place on the animal where the brand will be applied, and whether it is to be applied with hot iron, paint, tattoo or other means; (iv) Repealed By Laws 1996, ch. 25, § 2. (b) The application shall be accompanied by a recording fee of not less than one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) for the first species of livestock and not less than seventy-five dollars ($75.00) for each additional species of livestock for which the brand is to be used. In the event a brand is not recorded, twenty-five percent (25%) of the recording fee shall be retained by the Wyoming livestock board and the balance of the fee shall be refunded to the applicant. A certified copy of the recorded brand shall be given to the owner. All fees collected shall be deposited into the account created by W.S. 11-20-405. (c) Repealed By Laws 2010, Ch. 69, § 204.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-104 Brands; recording generally.

Upon receipt of the application and fee the brand shall be recorded in the state brand record. If the brand has been previously recorded the executive officer of the board shall suggest a brand that can be recorded. The executive officer of the board shall not record any brand which in his opinion would conflict with any brand of record.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-105 Brands; extension to other species.

If a recorded brand is used exclusively for the identification of a particular species of livestock, the executive officer of the board may record the identical brand in the name of another person to identify his ownership of a species of livestock other than the species for which the brand is presently recorded.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-106 Brands; sheep; districts created; recording thereof.

To increase the quantity of brands which can be effectively used for the identification of sheep, the executive officer of the board may, with the advice of the executive committee of the Wyoming wool growers association, promulgate and enforce rules and regulations necessary to divide the land area of Wyoming into districts. The districts shall be made a part of such brands and recorded in the state record as further identification of sheep.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-107 Brands; records kept by board; inspection thereof.

The board shall keep an accurate record of all certified livestock brands, the names of the owners and their current contact information including addresses, which shall be open to public inspection.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-108 Recorded brand; certified copy deemed prima facie evidence of ownership.

A certified copy of any brand recorded in the office of the board is prima facie evidence of ownership of animals branded therewith for that species of livestock recorded by the board. The brand shall be received as evidence of ownership in all legal proceedings involving title to the animal.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-109 Recorded brand; considered as property; subject to sale; written instrument required; acknowledgment and recording.

Any brand recorded as required by law is the property of the person in whose name it is recorded, and is subject to sale, assignment, transfer, devise and descent as personal property. Instruments of writing evidencing sale, assignment or transfer shall be acknowledged and recorded in the office of the board. Acknowledgment and recording of such instruments have the same effect as to third parties as the acknowledgment and recording of instruments affecting real estate.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-110 Recorded brand; bill of sale; when title vests.

Any recorded brand may be conveyed to another by a bill of sale executed by the vendor, properly acknowledged, but the conveyance is not complete nor does title to the brand vest in the vendee until the bill of sale is filed for record and the ownership of the brand is transferred in the office of the board.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-111 State brand book; contents.

The executive officer of the board shall procure a suitable book, to be known as the state brand book, in which shall be recorded the brand and the definite place of the brand upon the animal, used for the branding of livestock in this state. A suitable book under this section may, at the discretion of the board, include a printed copy, an electronic copy or both.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-112 Brand book; publication; form and contents; distribution of copies; monthly lists and biennial supplements; costs; disposition of proceeds.

The board shall publish a brand book containing facsimiles or descriptions of all brands recorded in Wyoming together with the owner's name and address. The names and brands shall be arranged in the most convenient form for reference. Copies of the brand book and copies of subsequent supplements shall be given to the agency. At the end of each month, the board shall prepare lists of the brands recorded during that month and shall issue biennial supplements to the brand book which shall supersede and cumulate the monthly lists issued during the biennium. The board may publish and sell brand books, lists and supplements. The proceeds from the sales shall be deposited in the account created by W.S. 11-20-405.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-113 County clerk prohibited from recording brands.

It is unlawful for any county clerk in this state to record any brand or bill of sale of any brand.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-114 Failure to record brand deemed abandonment.

(a) Failure to record a brand is an abandonment of the same. No person shall claim or use any abandoned brand until after he has caused the same to be recorded as required by law. (b) Any person violating subsection (a) of this section shall be punished as provided by W.S. 11-1-103.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-115 Rerecording; when required; notice; abandonment.

(a) Every owner of a brand shall rerecord the brand according to the applicable time periods established by the board pursuant to subsection (c) of this section, and failure to do so is an abandonment of the brand as provided in this section. At least sixty (60) days preceding the expiration date of the brand, the board shall notify by mail and electronic mail if provided, at the address shown on the brand records, the owner of the brand that the brand must be rerecorded and if the brand has not been rerecorded within sixty (60) days from the expiration date of the brand, the brand will be declared delinquent. The board shall send a second notice by certified mail to the owner of the brand at the address shown on the brand records within thirty (30) days following the expiration date of the brand. A delinquent brand may be rerecorded by the brand owner who shall submit a rerecording application and pay a delinquent fee as established by rule of the board not to exceed one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00). If a delinquent brand is not rerecorded within two (2) years from the expiration date of the brand, the brand will be declared abandoned. Not less than six (6) months before declaring a brand abandoned, the board shall send a notice of proposed brand abandonment to the owner of the brand at the address shown on the brand records. The livestock board is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations necessary to implement this section including rules for issuing abandoned brands to other applicants. (c) The term of the rerecording period shall be in ten (10) year increments, not to exceed one hundred (100) years at the option of the owner of the brand. The renewal schedule and the method of renewal shall be established by the board. Every owner of a brand shall rerecord the brand pursuant to the renewal schedule established by the board and shall pay the renewal fee specified by W.S. 11-20-116 which shall be prorated by the board for any renewal of less than ten (10) years. (d) As part of a rerecording notice or abandonment notice sent under subsection (a) of this section, the board shall offer the option to the owner of the brand to rerecord all brands owned by the same person upon payment of a prorated fee, whether or not the brand has reached its rerecording date and provided that the rerecording period shall not exceed the term established by subsection (c) of this section. The board shall offer the option to the owner of the brand to extend the rerecording period in ten (10) year increments not to exceed one hundred (100) years upon payment of the appropriate fee as specified in W.S. 11-20-116(a). (e) The owner of a brand declared delinquent under subsection (a) of this section may provide payment in full of the required recording fee and any delinquency fees at the time of brand inspection.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-116 Fees for renewal, transfer of ownership or alteration of brand; recording bill of sale deemed renewal.

(a) For renewing any brand previously recorded and issuing a certificate of renewal, the board shall charge not less than three hundred dollars ($300.00) for each ten (10) year period, provided that if the renewal is for more than fifty (50) years, the fee shall be not less than one hundred dollars ($100.00) for each ten (10) year period beyond fifty (50) years. The fee shall cover any additional species of livestock for which the brand was previously recorded. (b) For recording a bill of sale or other instrument transferring ownership of a recorded brand and issuing a certificate of transfer, not less than one hundred dollars ($100.00) shall be charged for each recorded brand. (c) The recording of a bill of sale or other instrument transferring ownership of a recorded brand during any renewal period shall not serve as a renewal of the brand. Transfer of ownership and renewal of a brand are separate transactions, for each of which the appropriate fee will be collected. (d) Repealed By Laws 1996, ch. 25, § 2. (e) The fees collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the account created by W.S. 11-20-405. (f) Repealed By Laws 2010, Ch. 69, § 204.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-117 Use of unrecorded brands prohibited; penalties.

(a) It is unlawful for any person in Wyoming to use an unrecorded brand for the purpose of claiming ownership of or to identify livestock with a brand not recorded in his name except as otherwise provided in W.S. 11-20-125. (b) Anyone violating subsection (a) of this section shall be punished as provided in W.S. 11-1-103.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-118 Drover's stock; to be kept separate.

Every stock drover shall keep his livestock separate and distinct from other livestock, and if his livestock becomes mixed with other livestock the stock drover shall forthwith separate the same and return any comingled livestock to their lawful owner.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-119 Drover's stock; liability for injury to property; exceptions.

Every stock drover shall prevent his livestock from trespassing upon the property of another and from damaging any irrigating ditch or public works. No drover or other person who in good faith removes or attempts to remove livestock from any road, highway or right-of-way is liable for any civil damages for acts or omissions in good faith.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-120 Driving cattle from home range.

It is unlawful for any person to drive livestock away from its home range without authority from the owner of the livestock.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-121 Penalties for failure to comply with certain provisions.

Any person violating or failing to comply with the provisions of W.S. 11-20-102, 11-20-110 or 11-20-118 through 11-20-120 shall be imprisoned in the county jail not exceeding six (6) months, or fined not less than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) or more than five hundred dollars ($500.00), or both.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-125 Use of a seasonal brand; application for an annual permit to use an out-of-state brand.

(a) A person may apply to the board for permission to use his out-of-state brand on cattle, horses, asses or mules, provided the brand is legally registered in the state of origin. If a conflict is found with a registered Wyoming brand the board, notwithstanding W.S. 11-20-104 and 11-20-117 and as established by rule and regulation, may authorize use of the brand and require further identification. The permit shall be valid for a one hundred eighty (180) day period during the calendar year. The permit is not transferable. The annual fee for the permit shall be the same as the fee for a new brand as prescribed in W.S. 11-20-103. The permit may be issued and renewed annually if the board finds the requirements of this section are met: (i) The applicant shall agree to restrict a permitted out-of-state brand on calves born to cattle imported for grazing purposes, yearling, feeder or stocker cattle imported for feeding or grazing or cattle consigned to a commercial feedlot. "Calves" for purposes of this section means calves less than six (6) months old and running at their mother's sides; (ii) The applicant shall supply the brand inspector proof of ownership of the cattle at the time of brand inspection and shall show proof that the out-of-state brand is currently registered either by brand card or brand certificate from the state of issue; and (iii) If the permit is issued, the permittee shall pay for all necessary brand inspections as prescribed by law. (b) If there are written complaints to the board from three (3) or more affected parties, the board shall investigate the complaints and take appropriate action. (c) The board may promulgate rules and regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-201 Designation of contract services to implement brand inspection laws; bond required; bond of inspectors; interstate cooperative agreements.

(a) The board may designate an agency or contract for services subject to rules and regulations of the board, to exercise the rights, powers and duties provided by law with respect to inspection of brands and ownership of the animals mentioned herein. (b) The agency, or the board may contract for inspectors as the board deems necessary to carry out specified duties. The board may contract for inspectors through an individual at-will contract. The board may contract to provide the inspector salary, mileage, per diem and other necessary reimbursable expenses, membership in the state employees' and officials' group insurance plan in accordance with W.S. 9-2-3207(a)(xi)(F)(IV) and 9-3-207, and the state retirement system in accordance with W.S. 9-2-3207(a)(xi)(F)(IV), 9-3-412 and 9-3-413.1. The board shall be authorized to establish mileage rates without regard to the limitations provided in W.S. 9-3-103. During the time that inspectors are acting within the scope of their duties on behalf or in service of the state in their official capacity, inspectors are covered by the provisions of the Wyoming Governmental Claims Act and the state self-insurance program, W.S. 1-41-101 through 1-41-111. It may assign inspectors inside or outside of this state as it deems appropriate. A blanket bond or individual bonds shall be executed to the state with good and sufficient surety in an amount determined by the board, conditioned for the full and faithful performance and discharge of the inspector's duties. The bond shall be approved by and filed in the office of the board. (c) The board may enter into cooperative agreements wherever economically feasible with the proper authorities of other states for the enforcement and implementation of the Wyoming brand laws. Brand inspections performed in accordance with such a cooperative agreement is a Wyoming brand inspection within the meaning of the brand inspection laws of this state. For purposes of this subsection, the brand inspection need not be performed by a Wyoming brand inspector.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-202 Duties of board; enforcement of provisions.

(a) Inspections for brands and ownership of livestock, wool, pelts, hides or carcasses shall be made by the board or its designated agency. The board shall prepare and provide all forms required for inspections and recording inspections for brands and ownership, and any substitutes or facsimiles are invalid. The agency of the board shall keep on file in its office copies of inspection certificates. The board shall make rules and regulations governing inspections for brands and ownership as necessary, consistent with the laws of Wyoming. (b) The board shall enforce the brand inspection provisions of this act. No agent of the board exercising ordinary care and precaution in performing his duties is liable for any damage or loss that may be incurred thereby. The immunity from liability provided by this section shall include liability for damages alleged to have been caused by an agent's efforts to repair a fence.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-203 Inspection of brands at time of delivery or removal; certificate required; lack thereof; emergency movement of livestock.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section or except as provided in W.S. 11-20-211, 11-20-224 and 11-20-230, it is unlawful for any person, firm, partnership, corporation, or association to sell, change ownership or to remove or cause to be removed in any way from any county in Wyoming to any other state or country, any livestock unless each animal has been inspected for brands and ownership at the time of delivery or removal by an authorized Wyoming brand inspector and a proper certificate of inspection or clearance has been issued. (b) Repealed By Laws 2013, Ch. 191, § 3. (c) Except as otherwise provided in this section or except as provided in W.S. 11-20-211, 11-20-217, 11-20-224 and 11-20-230, it is unlawful for any person, firm, partnership, corporation or association to remove or cause to be removed in any way from any county in Wyoming to any other county, any livestock unless each animal has been inspected for brands and ownership at the time of delivery or removal by an authorized Wyoming brand inspector and a proper certificate of inspection or clearance has been issued, except where the board has established brand inspection zones for each species of livestock. Brand inspection zones may encompass an area based on multiple contiguous counties or the entire state, as determined by the board. Brand inspection zones shall be reviewed and reauthorized annually by the board and shall be in effect for a calendar year. (d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, a person, firm, partnership, corporation or association may move livestock to another county in this state in the case of an emergency situation declared or recognized by the board or director. If a livestock animal is moved under this subsection, the person moving the animal shall notify the board or an agent of the board not later than forty-eight (48) hours after the movement has occurred. Prior to moving the livestock back to the original location or to any other location, the person shall obtain an inspection of brands and ownership and the board shall not charge a fee for the inspection. If livestock will be moved across state lines in an emergency situation declared or recognized by the board or director under this subsection, the person, firm, partnership, corporation or association shall immediately contact the board and follow the direction of the board for inspection of brands and ownership. The board or director may declare an emergency situation under this subsection at any time it is required for public safety or the safety of livestock. If livestock is moved prior to declaration of an emergency situation by the board or director, the board or director may recognize the situation as an emergency situation after the fact if it determines that any movement of livestock was required for public safety or for the safety of livestock. (e) No inspection for brands and ownership is required if a change of ownership occurs solely due to: (i) A legal name change of a person, firm, partnership, corporation or association if the ownership of the firm, partnership, corporation or association remains unchanged and the brand is transferred to the new legal name; (ii) The transfer of a brand from an individual or the individual and his spouse to a business entity if the individual or the individual and his spouse are owners of a one hundred percent (100%) interest in the business entity; (iii) A conversion of a business entity as provided in W.S. 17-26-101; (iv) Marriage.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-204 Inspector not to inspect his own livestock; penalty.

It is unlawful for any inspector to issue a certificate of inspection covering livestock owned by him or in which he has any financial interest, and any violation of this provision is punishable as a misdemeanor.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-205 Procedures generally; estrays.

(a) Except as otherwise provided, before selling, changing ownership or removing any livestock from any county of Wyoming, the person selling, changing ownership or intending to cause removal shall notify the inspector of the date of the intended removal and the time and place when and where the required inspection for brands and ownership can be made. The inspection shall be made within a reasonable time prior to shipment. The person in charge of the livestock shall hold the livestock at the place designated until the livestock have been inspected and an official certificate of inspection is issued. The person in charge shall render the inspecting officer such assistance as is practicable while the required inspection is being made. (b) Upon being notified of the intention of any person to sell, change ownership or remove from the county any livestock when a prior inspection is required by law, the inspector notified shall go to the place designated at the time agreed upon, and make an inspection for brands and ownership of the livestock. (c) The inspection shall only be done under conditions that allow the inspector, at the sole discretion of the inspector, to adequately view the livestock for the purpose of determining brands. The inspector shall list by classes the livestock, showing number of each class and all brands, together with the names of owners of the brands, if known. The inspector may require from the person in charge proof of ownership of the livestock to be removed from the county, by brand record, bill of sale or the affidavits of at least two (2) responsible citizens of the county who are not interested financially in the animals. If ownership of any of the livestock is not claimed by the person intending to remove them from the county, then written authorization from the owner for such removal is required. (d) Estrays, the ownership of which is unknown, shall not be removed from the county except by order of the inspector in accordance with W.S. 11-24-102. (e) No inspection for brands and ownership is required if a change of ownership occurs solely due to: (i) A legal name change of a person, firm, partnership, corporation or association if the ownership of the person, firm, partnership, corporation or association remains unchanged; (ii) The transfer of a brand from an individual or the individual and his spouse to a business entity if the individual or the individual and his spouse are owners of a one hundred percent (100%) interest in the business entity; (iii) A conversion of a business entity as provided in W.S. 17-26-101; (iv) Marriage.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-206 Certificate of inspection generally; distribution of copies; failure to exhibit; justification to hold vehicle and livestock.

(a) Any inspector, upon completing an inspection of livestock for brands and ownership, shall record the inspection upon a form furnished by the Wyoming livestock board. When completed and signed by the inspector and the owner of the livestock or the owner's designee, the form is a certificate of inspection authorizing the removal from the county of the livestock listed. The inspector shall deliver a copy of the certificate to the person in charge of the livestock. If movement is to be by truck, a copy of the certificate shall be delivered by the person in charge of the animals to the driver or person in charge of the truck or trucks, and shall be kept in the latter's possession until the livestock are delivered at the final destination as shown on the certificate of inspection, and shall be exhibited upon request to any person authorized to enforce the brand inspection laws of this state. (b) Failure or refusal by the driver of any vehicle to exhibit a certificate of inspection or a properly executed shipper's certificate and agreement or permit listing the livestock being transported within the state, is justification for any authorized person to hold the vehicle and the livestock, at the carrier's or the shipper's expense, until the carrier establishes his right to transport the livestock. If the carrier cannot establish his right to transport the livestock within twelve (12) hours, the vehicle and livestock shall be impounded as provided by W.S. 11-20-228, pending complete investigation and disposition as provided by law.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-208 Proof of prior ownership; penalties for furnishing false proof.

(a) When the proof of ownership inspection is used, inspectors shall require proof of ownership of livestock upon change of ownership as provided by W.S. 11-20-203(a) and an instrument evidencing such ownership shall be delivered by the shipper to the inspector who shall attach it to the form and return it to the agency. (b) The furnishing of false proof of prior ownership is probable cause for investigation of a felony offense being committed. All livestock involved shall be remanded to the custody of the Wyoming livestock board pending the outcome of the investigation and criminal charges, if any. Costs incurred for maintenance of the livestock involved shall be paid by the person who furnished false proof of ownership. Should the investigation show the only offense involved is furnishing false proof of ownership, the person furnishing such false proof shall be fined not less than two hundred dollars ($200.00) or more than seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00) or imprisoned for not more than six (6) months, or both.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-209 When inspection not required.

No inspection for brands and ownership is required for livestock originating in another state, territory or country and being transported through Wyoming by common carrier or contract carrier in interstate commerce, without leaving the custody of the carrier.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-210 When inspection not required; certain importations; compliance with health and quarantine regulations required.

Subject to conditions set forth in this section, no inspection for brands and ownership is required of livestock being imported into Wyoming if the livestock are transported or driven directly from point of entry into Wyoming to a destination within Wyoming and the person in charge of, or having custody of the livestock has in his possession written authority to transport or drive the livestock from the state, territory or country of origin to a destination in Wyoming and written evidence that all health and quarantine regulations of Wyoming have been complied with. Such written evidence shall be shown upon request to any officer authorized to enforce the brand inspection laws.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-211 When inspection not required; contiguous range.

No inspection for brands and ownership is required for livestock being moved to their accustomed range which is on both sides of but contiguous to any county or state line, for the purpose of pasturing or feeding same. The word "contiguous" means actually touching, bordering or abutting upon, and this section shall not be construed to exempt from inspection livestock whose accustomed range is near or in close proximity but not contiguous to a state or county line.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-212 In-state range movement permits.

(a) The board may issue an in-state range movement permit for the movement of livestock from a location in Wyoming to a noncontiguous location in another county provided the applicant and the ranch meet the requirements of this subsection and criteria established by rules of the board. The movement shall be for the purpose of pasturing, grazing, feeding the livestock, veterinary care, commercial lease or use or other board approved movement that is considered necessary for normal ranch management operating conditions. The movement shall not be for the purpose of changing ownership. A permit under this section may be issued only to bona fide owners or Wyoming resident lessees of qualified ranch lands headquartered within Wyoming or their authorized employees. As used in this section, a qualified ranch means a ranch that has been used for a period of time or purpose specified by the board and which use can be verified by brand inspection records. A permit may be denied by the board after a finding that the person applying for a permit has violated a brand inspection or animal health law, including a provision of this section, a board brand inspection or animal health rule or regulation or a board order. (b) The fee imposed by W.S. 11-20-402 shall be collected at the time of the issuance of the permit under this section. If a change of ownership occurs before the livestock is returned to the county of origin pursuant to a permit issued under this section, the owner shall notify a brand inspector for an inspection of the livestock and shall pay all fees imposed under W.S. 11-6-210 and 11-20-401. (c) Repealed By Laws 2010, Ch. 69, § 204. (d) The board shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this section. (e) Repealed By Laws 2013, Ch. 13, § 2.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-214 Brand inspector may inspect at his discretion; voluntary inspections.

(a) A brand inspector may inspect livestock being transported, trailed, pastured or confined at his discretion, to determine ownership, without an inspection fee. (b) Any person may request an inspection for brands and ownership of livestock in his possession at any time. The inspection fee prescribed by W.S. 11-20-401 shall be collected by the brand inspector.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-216 Procurement, form, contents and validity of truck-fleet shipment permit.

When a shipment of livestock is to be made in more than one (1) truck and the entire shipment is listed on one (1) certificate of inspection, or one (1) shipper's certificate and agreement, or on any single permit required by law, the person in charge of the shipment shall obtain a truck-fleet shipment permit. The board shall prepare the form and contents of the permit. The permit is valid only for the shipment specified and on the date or dates shown.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-217 Certificates and agreements in lieu of inspection; generally; shipper's demand for inspection; penalty.

(a) Subject to conditions set forth in this section, no prior inspection for brands and ownership is required of horses, mules, cattle or sheep being or about to be transported to any open market where Wyoming brand inspection is maintained whether within or outside Wyoming. (b) In lieu of an official inspection for brands and ownership, the person proposing to remove livestock from any county of Wyoming to any such open market shall fill out and sign a certificate on a form approved by the board. The form shall include an agreement providing that the livestock listed on the certificate will not be diverted en route from the destination shown unless and until an inspection for brands and ownership has been made by an authorized Wyoming brand inspector, unless the diversion is to an open market where Wyoming brand inspection is maintained or where a brand inspection is made which substantially complies with the brand inspection laws of this state pursuant to an agreement entered into under W.S. 11-20-201(c). It shall further provide that in case of diversion of all or any part of the shipment the livestock diverted will be held at some convenient place, separate and apart from other livestock, until inspected, and the shipper will pay the necessary expenses incurred by the inspector and the legal inspection fees. The board shall establish a fee to be charged for use of the form authorized by this section. The fee for this form shall not exceed one dollar ($1.00) per head. The form authorized by this section shall not be issued until all fees required by W.S. 11-6-210 have been paid in full and may be collected at the time the form is issued by the issuing party. A blanket bond or individual bonds shall be executed to the state with good and sufficient surety in an amount determined by the board, conditioned for the full and faithful performance of any issuer of the forms and collecting of fees pursuant to this section. (c) Except on demand of the shipper, the inspector is not required to inspect any horses, mules, cattle or sheep, consigned directly to any open market where Wyoming brand inspection is maintained. If the shipper demands a prior inspection, the inspection shall be made and the legal inspection fee charged and collected. Inspection at point of origin does not exempt the shipment from inspection for brands and ownership, nor the shipper from payment of inspection fees at the open market destination. (d) The form authorized by this section may be denied, suspended or revoked by the board after proper hearing as provided by the Wyoming Administrative Procedure Act, and a finding that the person to whom the permit is granted has violated any of the brand inspection laws.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-219 Certificates and agreements in lieu of inspection; filing and distribution of copies.

(a) After a certificate and agreement listing a shipment of horses, mules, cattle or sheep to be transported by common or contract carrier has been filled out, signed and witnessed, a copy shall accompany the shipment. (b) A copy of the certificate and agreement listing horses, mules, cattle or sheep to be transported by private carrier shall be retained by the owner or his agent until the animals have been delivered at the destination shown and shall then be delivered by him to the Wyoming brand inspector at the destination. (c) A copy of the certificate and agreement listing horses, mules, cattle or sheep being transported shall be shown upon request, to any person authorized to enforce the brand inspection laws.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-220 Diverted shipments; notice thereof.

Should any shipment or any part of a shipment of horses, mules, cattle or sheep listed on a certificate and agreement consigned to an open market be diverted en route from the destination shown, the railroad, trucking firm, trucker or private carrier transporting the shipment shall notify the Wyoming brand inspector at the original destination and the agency that such diversion has been ordered and made. The notice shall be sent within twenty-four (24) hours after diversion is ordered. If the diversion is ordered and made before the shipment leaves Wyoming, the required inspection for brands and ownership shall be made by any Wyoming brand inspector. If the shipment has left Wyoming, the inspection shall be made by a brand inspector having authority to inspect Wyoming livestock outside the state.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-221 Common carriers not to receive livestock for transportation without certificate.

Except as otherwise provided, it is unlawful for any railroad, trucker or other common or contract carrier, or any person to receive for transportation or to transport any horses, mules, cattle or sheep from any county in Wyoming to any other county, state, territory or country, until furnished with an official certificate of inspection, filled out and signed by an authorized inspector, showing the horses, mules, cattle or sheep to be transported have been inspected for brands and ownership.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-222 Unbranded calves; inspection at request of stockman; fee.

All calves unbranded or wearing unpealed brands shall be shown to the inspector at the point of origin and at their mother's side, upon written request of a bona fide Wyoming stockman from the immediate area to the district brand supervisor of that area, made at least five (5) days prior to shipment, or upon request of an authorized brand inspector. When inspection is requested, it shall be made immediately before loading and shipping the calves. The seller or shipper shall report to the inspector the name and address of the owner and shipper at destination of shipment, mode of transportation and the name and address of the consignee. The inspector shall record and file the same with the board or its agency. If shipment is to a market where Wyoming brand inspection is maintained, the usual fee shall be charged for sale ring inspection.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-223 Out-of-state accustomed range permits.

(a) The board may issue an out-of-state accustomed range permit for the movement of livestock from an accustomed range or ranch in Wyoming to a noncontiguous accustomed range or ranch in another state provided the applicant and the accustomed range meet the requirements of this subsection and criteria established by rules of the board. The movement shall be for the purpose of pasturing, grazing, ranging or feeding the livestock or other board approved movement that is considered necessary for normal ranch management operating conditions. The movement shall not be for the purpose of changing ownership. A permit under this section may be issued only to bona fide owners or Wyoming resident lessees of ranch lands headquartered within Wyoming or their authorized employees. As used in this section, an "out-of-state accustomed range or ranch" means a range or ranch that has been used for a period of time or purpose specified by the board and which use can be verified by brand inspection records. A permit may be denied by the board after a finding that the person applying for a permit has violated a brand inspection law, including a provision of this section or a board rule or regulation. (b) No person shall move animals pursuant to a permit under this section until a brand inspector has inspected the animals and collected the fee imposed by W.S. 11-20-402. The owner of livestock moved under the permit shall attest in writing that it is intended that the livestock shall be returned to this state prior to a change in ownership. If a change of ownership occurs before the livestock are returned to this state, the owner shall notify the brand inspector who performed the inspection and shall pay all fees imposed under W.S. 11-6-210 and 11-20-401 with credit granted for any fee imposed by W.S. 11-20-402(a)(viii). (c) Repealed By Laws 2010, Ch. 69, § 204. (d) The board shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this section. (e) Repealed By Laws 2013, Ch. 13, § 2.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-224 Permanent brand inspection certificate; application; surrender to board.

The owner of livestock used for rodeo, show, racing, pleasure or Wyoming farm or ranch work purposes may obtain a permanent brand inspection certificate authorizing movement of the livestock intrastate or interstate, valid for the life of the livestock or until a change of ownership takes place, upon approval of a proper application in writing by an authorized Wyoming brand inspector. The application shall contain, or be accompanied by, valid proof of ownership of the livestock by the applicant, and shall include a thorough physical description including all brands carried by the livestock and all distinguishing marks or markings. The possession of a valid permanent brand inspection certificate shall constitute prima facie evidence of ownership. Upon any change in ownership the certificate is void.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-225 Annual horse brand inspection certificate; surrender to board; fee.

(a) The owner of a horse or livestock used for rodeo, show, racing, pleasure or farm or ranch work in Wyoming which is permanently and individually identified may obtain an annual brand inspection certificate, authorizing movement from county to county within Wyoming, valid for one (1) year from date of issuance unless sooner terminated by a change in ownership of the horse described therein. Upon any change of ownership the certificate is void and must be immediately surrendered to the board. (b) Repealed By Laws 2001, Ch. 26, § 2. (c) For each permit issued under this section there shall be charged an inspection fee established by W.S. 11-20-402(a)(vi).

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-226 Certificates to be signed and in possession.

The inspection certificate and movement permit issued pursuant to W.S. 11-20-224 or 11-20-225 is not valid unless signed by an authorized representative of the board and by the permit holder. The certificate shall be in the possession of the person transporting the horse and shall be shown on request to any person authorized to enforce the brand inspection laws.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-227 Fraudulent use of inspection certificate and movement permit; penalties.

Fraudulent use of an inspection certificate and movement permit issued pursuant to W.S. 11-20-224, 11-20-225 or 11-20-230 is punishable by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars ($100.00) or by imprisonment for not more than thirty (30) days, or both. The fraudulent use of an inspection certificate and movement permit issued pursuant to W.S. 11-20-224, 11-20-225 or 11-20-230 is probable cause to investigate the commission of a felony, and the provisions of W.S. 11-20-228 may be invoked pending the outcome of the investigation and court proceedings, if any.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-228 Impounding of vehicles; lien.

Any vehicle used in the transportation of livestock in violation of this act may be impounded pending determination of the violation by a court. Upon conviction of the owner of the vehicle, or the owner of the livestock being transported, any expense incurred by an authorized officer for towing the vehicle or for feed and care of the livestock is a lien upon the vehicle or livestock until the expenses are paid in full.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-229 Penalties for violation of certain provisions.

Any violation of the provisions of W.S. 11-20-202 through 11-20-226 and 11-20-230 for which there is no specific penalty prescribed is punishable as provided in W.S. 11-1-103.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-230 Livestock seed stock and exhibitors permit; fees; transfers; reports; enforcement.

(a) Any Wyoming livestock producer who raises and markets livestock for the purpose of providing breeding seed stock or exhibition animals, as defined by the board for purposes of this section, may apply to the board for a livestock seed stock or exhibition stock permit. The fee shall be fifty dollars ($50.00) per permit. The permit shall be valid for the calendar year issued and no transactions or shipments shall be authorized until a permit has been issued. (b) After receiving a certificate of inspection from a Wyoming brand inspector, the livestock producer may sell or change ownership of the livestock provided the livestock are branded with the livestock producer's recorded Wyoming brand and the animals can be individually identified by a board approved method. The livestock may then be legally shipped or removed from any county in Wyoming to any other county, state or country, provided they are accompanied by a board authorized bill of sale and a board issued fleet permit which references the prior certificate of inspection pursuant to W.S. 11-20-216. (c) The permit holder shall report all transactions and movements and shall pay any applicable fees authorized pursuant to W.S. 11-6-210, 11-37-106 and 11-37-107 to the brand inspector who issued the original brand certificate, or any other designated agent of the board, within three (3) working days of the transaction. (d) Failure to comply with this section or any other applicable law or board rule shall be grounds for the revocation of the permit and shall be punished pursuant to W.S. 11-1-103. Providing false proof of ownership shall be grounds for the revocation of the permit and shall be punished pursuant to W.S. 11-20-208. All livestock covered under the permit authorized under this section are subject to reinspection by a board authorized brand inspector and any applicable fees shall be assessed.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-301 When authorized.

If in the opinion of any authorized brand inspector or sheriff a mark or brand upon any livestock has been fraudulently altered, obliterated or defaced so the original mark or brand cannot be determined by external inspection, the brand inspector or sheriff may seize and kill the animal to ascertain the mark or brand altered or defaced.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-302 Sale of carcass.

The carcass of any animal killed except such part as is retained for evidence, shall be promptly sold at public or private sale by the stock inspector or sheriff, and the proceeds paid into the general fund of the county in which the animal was killed.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-401 Brand inspection fees generally.

(a) Except as otherwise provided, each livestock inspector shall at the time of inspecting for brands and ownership collect inspection fees in an amount established by the livestock board but not less than: (i) One dollar and twenty-five cents ($1.25) per head on all cattle including unbranded animals, and including the hide or carcass; (ii) Twenty-five cents ($0.25) per head on all sheep, including any hide or carcass; (iii) Nine dollars ($9.00) per head for the first ten (10) head of horses, asses or mules inspected, including any hide or carcass and one dollar and twenty-five cents ($1.25) for each additional horse, hide or carcass inspected at the same time and place; and (iv) A six dollar and twenty-five cent ($6.25) surcharge per inspection by the livestock inspector. The livestock board shall promulgate rules and regulations to identify conditions under which this surcharge may be waived. (b) Repealed By Laws 2010, Ch. 69, § 204. (c) The board may allow the inspection, permitting, payment and reporting requirements of this chapter to be conducted electronically as provided by the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, W.S. 40-21-101 through 40-21-119, and any applicable federal electronic requirements.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-402 Miscellaneous inspection fees.

(a) Except as otherwise provided, the board shall establish and, through its authorized inspectors, shall collect fees for the following of not less than: (i) Repealed By Laws 2007, Ch. 105, § 2. (ii) Repealed By Laws 1996, ch. 25, § 2. (iii) One dollar and twenty-five cents ($1.25) for each certificate issued to a hide buyer as required by W.S. 11-23-204; (iv) Repealed By Laws 1996, ch. 25, § 2. (v) Fifteen dollars ($15.00) for each permanent brand inspection and movement permit issued pursuant to W.S. 11-20-224; (vi) Twelve dollars ($12.00) for the first ten (10) head of livestock inspected and one dollar and fifty cents ($1.50) for each additional head inspected under the annual brand inspection and movement permit issued pursuant to W.S. 11-20-225; (vii) Repealed by Laws 1990, ch. 87, § 3. (viii) For an accustomed range permit under W.S. 11-20-223, an amount equal to twenty-five percent (25%) of the inspection fees as established by the board pursuant to W.S. 11-20-401(a)(i) through (iii); (ix) A six dollar and twenty-five cent ($6.25) surcharge per inspection by the livestock inspector. The livestock board shall promulgate rules and regulations to identify conditions under which this surcharge may be waived; (x) The fee for an accustomed range permit under W.S. 11-20-212, of not less than fifty dollars ($50.00); (xi) Actual hourly cost plus mileage for any nonmandatory inspections requested by a livestock owner. The hourly cost shall be as determined by the board and the mileage cost shall be as provided by W.S. 9-3-103. (b) Repealed By Laws 2010, Ch. 69, § 204. (c) The board may establish and, through its authorized inspectors, collect fees from the livestock owner or other responsible party not to exceed the actual cost of any additional necessary reimbursable expenses including transportation, supplies or equipment rental relating to services required by the board. "Reimbursable expenses" for the purposes of this subsection shall mean expenses necessary to provide for the immediate safety of the public and livestock for which the board has authority. This subsection shall not apply to those services authorized under W.S. 11-20-401.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-404 Report of receipts and expenses.

(a) The board shall on or before the first Monday in August each year present a written report to the director of the state department of audit, which shall contain: (i) A statement of funds received from inspection fees and other fees collected under W.S. 11-20-201 through 11-20-230, 11-20-401 and 11-20-402; (ii) A statement of expenses of inspection, including salaries and expenses of inspectors, and that part of the expense of the agency, if any, incurred in administering the brand inspection laws; (iii) The amount by which inspection expenses have exceeded the revenues for the fiscal year ending June 30; (iv) An estimate of future expenses for the forthcoming year, which will become due and payable prior to the receipt of the amounts provided for herein to pay them. (b) Repealed by Laws 1990, ch. 87, § 3.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-405 Collection and disposition.

(a) Any funds appropriated by the legislature and all fees collected pursuant to W.S. 11-20-101 through 11-20-124, 11-20-201 through 11-20-230, 11-20-401 and 11-20-402 shall be remitted to the state treasurer for deposit in the inspection account. Interest earned by the account shall be retained in the account. Monies within the account are subject to legislative review and appropriation for use and expenditure by the board. Itemized vouchers shall be submitted to the chief executive officer of the board for approval. Upon approval, a warrant for the payment of each voucher shall be issued by the state auditor for payment from the inspection account. The board shall expend monies from the account created by this section only for the purposes authorized by W.S. 11-20-201 through 11-20-230 and 11-20-101 through 11-20-124 and to pay for investigators of the Wyoming livestock board who are peace officers as defined in W.S. 7-2-101(a)(iv)(E). (b) After March 1, 2006, all costs of operating and administering the brand inspection and recording programs shall be paid from any funds appropriated by the legislature, any applicable grant funds and the fees collected and deposited into the account created by subsection (a) of this section. (c) Repealed By Laws 2010, Ch. 69, § 204.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-408 Examination of agency records; report.

(a) The director of the state department of audit or his designee shall examine the records and accounts of any agency appointed by the board to administer the brand inspection laws, and report to the governor in the same manner as for the examination of records and accounts of public officers. (b) The board shall adopt an annual fiscal year budget for the brand registration and inspection program. The budget shall include any deficit amount from the prior year and may include an operating reserve not to exceed one (1) year for that portion of the program to be funded by user fees. Based on the budget adopted under this subsection, the board shall set the user fees for all activities under the program at no less than the minimum fees provided for in this chapter. Each fee may be adjusted not more than one (1) time per fiscal year and by not more than twenty-five percent (25%) in any one (1) fiscal year. The board shall report annually by November 1 to the joint agriculture, state and public lands and water resources interim committee with respect to the budget adopted and fees set under this subsection.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-20-409 Issuance of certificate.

Except as otherwise provided in W.S. 11-20-401(c), all fees required by W.S. 11-6-210, 11-20-201 through 11-20-230, 11-20-401 and 11-20-402 shall be due and payable upon the issuance of a certificate of brand inspection or clearance. No fees required by W.S. 11-6-210 shall be collected on the same livestock more than once in any twelve (12) month period.
Source: WY Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title11.pdfFetched: 10/4/2026

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