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Bill could boost brand feePIERRE, S.D. (AP)--The fee to inspect livestock brands could be increased by the South Dakota Legislature. A bill offered as part of a package of measures from the state Brand Board would set a maximum fee of $1 per head for cattle, up 20 cents from the current ceiling. HB1058 also would allow a brand inspection fee of up to $10 for each horse or mule. Those animals currently are covered by the 80-cent fee. The Legislature last increased the fee ceiling in 1999, raising it from the previous 60-cent limit. The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association says the current fee is not enough to cover the costs of the inspections. The association conducts the inspection program to ensure the ownership of livestock in 22 counties west of the Missouri River. Brand inspections are done on cattle, horses and mules that are sold, go to slaughter or are removed from those counties. A measure to increase the current ceiling on the fee charged to inspect livestock was rejected by last year's Legislature. It also would have set a $1 limit. The state Brand Board set the current fee of 80 cents on Jan. 1, 2007. Another bill to be considered by this year's Legislature, HB1054, would allow the Brand Board to slap civil fines for violating livestock ownership laws. The civil penalties would be in addition to any criminal punishment. Civil fines would be limited to a maximum of $5,000 for each violation. HB1055 would reduce the criminal penalties for removing livestock from the brand area without first getting them inspected for ownership. The current maximum penalties of one year in jail and $2,000 fines would be reduced to 30 days in jail and $500 fines. A final Brand Board bill, HB1056, would let the board hold livestock for at least 60 days when ownership is in doubt. Anyone removing those animals from the brand area or selling them before the board clears them for release would be subject to 30 days in jail and $500 fines. 1/21/08 Date: 1/16/08
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