Chapter 2. Violations of California Food And Agricultural Code >> Division 9. >> Part 2. >> Chapter 2.

It is unlawful for any person with the intent to steal any bovine animal, horse, colt, jack, jenny, or mule which belongs to another person, or prevent its identification by the true owner to do any of the following:
  (a) Mark or brand any such animal with any brand or mark except the recorded brand or brand and mark of the owner of the animal.
  (b) Alter or deface a brand or mark on such an animal.

It is unlawful for any person, with the intent to steal any sheep, goat, hog, shoat, or pig, or prevent its identification by the true owner, to do any of the following:
  (a) Mark or brand such an animal with any brand or mark except the recorded brand or brand and mark of the owner of the animal.
  (b) Alter or deface a brand or mark on such an animal.

It is unlawful for any person to mark any bovine animal by cutting off more than one-half of an ear of the animal.