Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee |
HB 1439
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Concerning horse brand inspection requirements.
Sponsors: Representative Haigh.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/2/11
Staff: Jason Callahan (786-7117).
Background:
With some exception, all horses must be inspected for brands or other proof of ownership if one of four events occurs:
The horse is moved out of Washington.
The horse is offered for sale at a public livestock market.
The horse is offered in an open consignment sale.
The horse is offered at a special sale where horses of more than one owner are being sold [WAC 16-610-025].
All brand inspections must be done by either an employee of the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) or a veterinarian [WAC 16-610-035]. Specifics regarding horse brand inspections and other issues regarding proof of ownership are primarily detailed in rules adopted by the WSDA.
Summary of Bill:
The WSDA is prohibited from adopting any rule that requires horse ownership identification to be shown by the owner of an unbranded horse when the horse is brought into or out of Washington. The WSDA may require ownership identification for branded horses at any time, and for both branded and unbranded horses at the time of sale. The WSDA may also require proof of a health certification at any time for both branded and unbranded horses.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.