This summary of South Dakota Brand Laws is not a complete statement of the laws but is intended to make you aware of the important requirements of livestock ownership inspection and brand registration.

The South Dakota livestock ownership inspection area includes all counties west of the Missouri River. All livestock sold or removed from within the area are subject to ownership inspection. All livestock transported into the inspection area for grazing, show or pleasure purposes, must be inspected prior to removal from the inspection area.

1. Livestock auction markets

2. Private treaty sales

3. Prior to slaughter
4. Ranch production/dispersal sales
5. Prior to removal from the Livestock Ownership Inspection Area
6. Placement into a South Dakota Registered Feedlot
7. Inspection is required whether the livestock are branded or not.

1. Local Ownership Inspection Certificate
2. Livestock Market Clearance
3. Shipper's Permit
4. Lifetime Horse Transportation Permit

FEES

Livestock Brand Inspection:
     .80 cents per head.

Lifetime Horse Transportation Permit:
     $10.00 per head

Annual Horse Transportation Permit:

       $3.00 per head
 

CRIMES, OFFENSES AND PENALTIES

It is a Class 5 Felony to intentionally brand over a previous brand or alter, deface or obliterate a previous brand on any livestock.

The following are Class 1 Misdemeanors:

1. To hot iron brand any domestic livestock for ownership purposes unless the brand is registered with the Brand Board in the name of the user.
2. To brand any livestock with a brand which has been cancelled or has been rejected from registration.

It is a Class 2 Felony to remove livestock from the livestock inspection area without an inspection or shipper's permit.

ESTRAYS

Any person who takes up estray livestock shall, within 10 days, provide a written description of the estray to the County Sheriff or Brand Board. Failure to notify the Sheriff or Board is a Class 1 Misdemeanor.