Understanding Oklahoma’s Laws on Livestock Branding
Hello, OKC business attorney Dillan Savage with Wirth Law Office, and I primarily practice in the Oklahoma City, Oklahoma area. Today, we’re going to discuss some of the laws in Oklahoma regarding brands on livestock and animals.
The Oklahoma State Department of Agriculture has reserved certain brands for its own use. These reserved brands are listed in Title 2, Section 4-10 of the Oklahoma Statutes, titled “Brands Reserved to State”. Examples of these reserved brands include:
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- B
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- T
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- PL+ (PL with a plus sign)
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- A
Only authorized agents of the Oklahoma State Board of Agriculture may use these brands, and the State may add more to the reserved list over time.
Transferring Ownership of Branded Livestock
If you plan to sell, transfer, bequeath, or otherwise dispose of cattle, your brand must appear in the current edition of the State Brand Book. If your brand is not listed, you can request that it be added, but until it is, you cannot legally sell or transfer branded livestock.
Additionally, any transfer of title must be recorded with the statewide livestock organization, which may charge a reasonable recording fee. This ensures that ownership is properly documented and recognized.
Documentation Requirements For Sales
Under Title 2, Section 4-12, if you sell branded livestock and the purchaser requests a written transfer document, you must provide it. This serves as proof of ownership transfer, ensuring that both parties have the necessary documentation for future reference.
The Unique Case of the Dog Iron Brand
One notable brand is the Dog Iron brand, famously owned by Will Rogers. You can see an image of it in the 1950 Oklahoma Brand Book, page 107, line 23. This brand is off-limits to the public and can only be used by individuals related to Will Rogers, as it has been preserved for historical purposes.
If you found this information helpful or believe it could help someone else, please visit TheOklahomaCityAttorney.com.
Get Your Low-Cost Consultation Today
If you need legal assistance or have questions about animal branding laws, call Oklahoma City attorney Dillan Savage at 405-888-5400 for a low-cost consultation.
