Article 2. Proof Of Ownership of California Food And Agricultural Code >> Division 9. >> Part 1. >> Chapter 3. >> Article 2.

(a) An inspector shall seize any bovine animal, horse, mule, or burro, or the hide or carcass of any of those animals, that is within any of the following classes:
  (1) Found in the possession of a person who does not also have in his or her possession proof of ownership.
  (2) Presented for inspection and that is not claimed by the consignor or consignee.
  (3) An estray as defined in Section 17001.5.
  (b) At the time of seizure, the person from whom the animal is seized shall be given a notice of rights under this chapter.

Evidence of ownership of an animal or hide may include any of the following:
  (a) A recorded brand registered in the name of the person in possession of the animal or hide.
  (b) A brand inspection certificate.
  (c) A bill of sale from the owner of the brand on the animal or hide.
  (d) In the case of an unbranded animal or hide, a bill of sale which gives a description of the breed, sex, color, and natural markings, if any.
  (e) A dairy exemption number.

(a) A dairy exemption number shall be evidence of ownership of cull beef cows and bulls of a recognized dairy breed presented for sale at a registered or posted salesyard, or licensed slaughter plant for immediate slaughter. Any person owning a dairy farm as defined in Section 32505 may apply to the secretary for an exemption number.
  (b) Every five years, the secretary may charge a fee to cover the cost of issuing and renewing a dairy exemption number. The fee may not exceed fifty dollars ($50). The secretary may refuse to issue such number to persons who have violated any provision of Division 9 (commencing with Section 16301), Division 10 (commencing with Section 20001), or Division 11 (commencing with Section 23001) of the Food and Agricultural Code, or to persons convicted of livestock theft.
  (c) The dairy exemption number shall be written on the bill of consignment, defined in Section 21703, when the cattle and consignment slip are presented to an inspector at the registered or posted salesyard, or licensed slaughter plant. The salesyard operator shall display the letters "EX" in the description line of the salesyard outbilling. An exemption number shall be deemed to meet the identification information requirements of Section 21703. The cows shall be consigned, owned, and sold in the name of the person having the exemption number.
  (d) The secretary may revoke the dairy exemption number of any person who violates any provision of Division 9 (commencing with Section 16301), Division 10 (commencing with Section 20001), or Division 11 (commencing with Section 23001) of the Food and Agricultural Code, or who is convicted of livestock theft.

Evidence of ownership of a carcass may include a bill of sale, sales tag, or sales memorandum which shows all of the following:
  (a) The names of the seller and buyer.
  (b) The date of sale.
  (c) The quantity sold.

It is unlawful for any person to refuse to turn over to an inspector any animal, hide, or carcass which is seized pursuant to any provision of this part.

It is unlawful for any person to remove any animal, hide or carcass, which is seized by an inspector or peace officer pursuant to any provision of this division, Division 10 (commencing with Section 20001), or Division 11 (commencing with Section 23001), from the premises where the inspector or peace officer confined it at the time of seizure, except upon release of such animal, hide or carcass, by the inspector or peace officer who seized the animal, hide, or carcass.

Any expense which is incurred in caring for any property seized pursuant to this part shall be paid by the person presenting the property for inspection. The cost of caring for the property so held is a lien upon the property. The lien may be enforced in the manner prescribed by Section 3052 of the Civil Code.

An animal, hide, or carcass seized pursuant to this chapter shall be disposed of pursuant to Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 17001).