California · Food and Agricultural Code - FAC

FAC §17551: It is unlawful for any person with the intent to steal any bovine animal, horse, colt, jack, jenny, or mule which belongs to another person, or prevent its identification by the true owner to do any o

Felony

What this law says, in plain English

It is unlawful to mark, brand, or alter markings on livestock belonging to another person with intent to steal it or prevent the owner from identifying it.

Read the full statutory text

It is unlawful for any person with the intent to steal any bovine animal, horse, colt, jack, jenny, or mule which belongs to another person, or prevent its identification by the true owner to do any of the following: (a) Mark or brand any such animal with any brand or mark except the recorded brand or brand and mark of the owner of the animal. (b) Alter or deface a brand or mark on such an animal.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.