On May 20, Southeast District Court Judge Mark Blumer ordered Richard Musland to pay $825 in fines for moving cattle from North Dakota to South Dakota without brand inspection, a Class A misdemeanor. Blumer also sentenced Musland to 360 days in jail, but suspended the sentence.
North Dakota law prohibits a person from transporting or attempting to transport cattle, horses or mules from the state without a brand inspection, except for emergency medical treatment by a licensed veterinarian or if the animals are moving to an approved auction market, buying station or packing plant where North Dakota brand inspectors provide regular inspection. Willful violation of this statute is a Class A misdemeanor, or a Class C felony for a second violation within five years or for three or more violations.
To schedule an inspection, contact any North Dakota Stockmen’s Association (NDSA) brand inspector to make an appointment. A complete list, searchable by county, can be found at www.ndstockmen.org under “About Us,” “Our Programs,” “Brand Inspection” and then “Brand Inspectors.” The cost is $1.50 per head, plus mileage.
Permanent horse permits are also available. These are good for the life of the horse or as long as the person who was issued the permit is the horse’s owner. There is a $25 fee for a permanent horse permit, plus mileage. For more information, call NDSA Chief Brand Inspector Blaine Northrop at (701) 223-2522.