ANALYSIS OF HB 2516

House Agriculture & Ecology Committee                                        January 26, 1998

BACKGROUND:

An 1890 law establishes liens regarding animal breeding services.  If the owner of a sire charges a fee for its breeding services, the owner may have a lien against the animal bred or against any resulting offspring.  To have the lien, the owner must file a statement with the county auditor of the county where the sire is kept giving the name, age, description, and pedigree of the sire and the terms and conditions for the service.  A lack of possession of a pedigree does not bar such a lien.  (RCW 60.52.010.)  Upon receiving such a statement, the county auditor is to issue a certificate to the owner restating the information provided and stating that the filing requirement has been complied with.  (RCW 60.52.020.)

By complying with these procedures, the owner of the sire obtains a lien upon the animal bred for a period of one year, or upon the offspring for the period of one year from the date of its birth.  The owner must file a statement with the county auditor identifying the amount due and the animal bred within 10 months.  The lien on the offspring is a preferred lien.  (RCW 60.52.030.)  The lien is foreclosed in the same manner as a lien on personal property.  (RCW 60.52.040.)

SUMMARY:

A provider of artificial insemination services or materials for animals has the same lien as the lien provided currently for the owner of a sire, except that the provider need not secure a certificate from the county auditor regarding the service.  A statement idenfying the service or materials provided, the animal bred or the address of the person for which materials were provided, and the amount due must be filed with the county auditor.