Brand Inspection: Do You Own That Horse?
Would you buy a car and not do the title work or licensing to drive it? Many people buy horses and do not get a change of ownership inspection by the brand inspector. This inspection is similar to doing the title work on a car and becomes your proof of ownership. Montana law states it is unlawful to sell or to take possession of an animal without doing a change of ownership brand inspection. Even so, some owners and buyers forget about, or are unaware of, this process.
In the state of Montana, brand inspections are required on horses: before you move them across state or county lines, before a change of ownership, or before they are sold at an auction yard. The inspection needs to include an examination of the animal which must be done in natural daylight by your local brand inspector. The brand inspector is going to ask for proof of ownership that shows you are the rightful owner of the horse.
A horse can be inspected on an annual inspection which will allow a person to transport anywhere in Montana for one year from the date of the inspection. However, this $6 permit is not good to travel out of the state. A horse owner that has a horse they intend to keep for a long period of time can also get a lifetime inspection. This inspection will cost $25 and will have to be inspected by a state inspector, not a local deputy inspector. The lifetime inspection will let you travel anywhere in the state and out of state as long as you own the horse. This inspection is not transferable to a new owner. If you do not have a lifetime inspection and want to travel out of state, you may acquire a trip permit to travel to your destination. This will cost you $6. One must remember to get the horse inspected back into the state when returning. A person moving horses in and out of Montana or other states needs to be aware of the health restrictions.
If you are transporting an animal to an approved market site you may get a market permit for $1. This is allowed because the animal will receive a full inspection at that location. This permit must be used within 36 hours of issuance.
Montana recognizes hot iron brands as well as freeze brands on horses. All horses, regardless if carrying a brand or not, are still required to have an inspection for health and other reasons.
Once you have an up-to-date inspection, carry the paperwork with you as it shows ownership. If someone else is transporting your horse across county lines, the inspection must accompany the animal.
If you have additional questions regarding transporting livestock in Montana, you can contact the Montana Department of Livestock in Helena at 406-444-2045 or a brand inspector in your area.
