WSDA Blog

With cattle prices at an all-time high livestock theft is a growing concern across Washington and the country.

When cattle or other livestock go missing, it’s not just a loss of property, it can mean thousands of dollars lost, and months or years of breeding or feeding efforts gone in an instant.

That’s where the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) Livestock Identification Program comes in.
This program isn’t just about formality, it’s one of the strongest tools ranchers have to prevent theft and recover stolen animals.

Why livestock theft is a serious issue

Livestock theft, or “rustling,” may sound like something from the Old West, but it’s still happening today. In Washington, stealing livestock is a felony crime. According to RCW 9A.56.080, theft of livestock in the first degree is classified as a Class B felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.

Unfortunately, without proper identification, stolen animals are hard to trace and even harder to recover. That’s where branding plays a vital role.

The role of WSDA in livestock identification

Through authority granted in RCW 16.57, WSDA manages a robust Identification program. The core of the program gives the department the authority to record brands, impound animals that are presented without the proper proof of ownership, and investigate thefts or fraud. These regulations allow WSDA to protect the most valuable assets of our industry. Their responsibilities include:

• Recording and renewing livestock brands.
• Inspecting cattle and horses at mandatory inspection points such as: public livestock markets,  USDA inspected slaughter facilities, and upon entry or reentry to a certified feedlot, before leaving Washington state or upon change of ownership(for cattle).
• Investigating suspected theft or ownership disputes.
• ​Impounding animals that are presented for inspection without the necessary proof of ownership.

This legal backing allows WSDA to enforce regulations that protect livestock owners and help ensure stolen animals are not resold or transported unnoticed.

Why it matters for livestock owners

The branding and inspection program plays a critical role in regulating mandatory inspection points and supporting industry efforts to prevent livestock theft.

• Deters theft: A visible brand deters theft as branded animals are more easily tracked.
• Enables recovery: If stolen, your livestock can be identified.
• ​Supports law enforcement: Change of ownership is documented during the brand inspection process and that results in a legal ownership document that acts a title to the livestock. These inspection documents help inspectors and officers verify rightful ownership.

How branding helps 

Branding provides a visible, permanent mark of ownership that can’t be easily altered or removed. When livestock are branded: 

• Inspectors can quickly verify ownership against WSDA’s records.
• Law enforcement can use brand records to return recovered animals.

Recent theft cases

Several recent livestock theft cases across the state highlight the importance of branding. In many situations, animals that were unbranded could not be traced back to their rightful owners. In contrast, animals with clearly recorded brands were more easily identified and returned.

• $50K cattle theft uncovered at local dairy
  • A former livestock operation employee was arrested on July 16, 2025 following an investigation into the theft and illegal sale of cattle valued at around $50,000. The arrest was made by Grant County Sheriff’s deputies and the Crime Reduction Team after a tip from a WSDA Brand Inspector. The individual faces 26 counts, including first-degree theft of livestock, trafficking in stolen property, possession of stolen property, brand tampering, and forgery. Authorities allege the employee sold company-owned cattle at auction and attempted to claim the proceeds. The case remains under investigation. The WSDA Livestock Inspector played a key role in the case by providing the crucial tip that initiated the investigation and ultimately led to the suspect’s arrest. Our Compliance Program was also instrumental, serving as the link between the WSDA Brand Inspector and the Sheriff’s office to ensure timely coordination. This case highlights the importance of branding cattle, which helps verify ownership and plays a crucial role in preventing and investigating livestock theft.

In the last year alone – 75 head of cattle and 3 horses were involved in true theft cases that compliance sent to local sherriff’s offices.

Livestock prices vary depending on market conditions and other factors, but values have increased significantly in recent years. For example, calves that once sold for $10–$20 per head are now often worth over $1,000.

What you can do

• Record or renew your brand through WSDA regularly.
  • Recording your brand with WSDA is simple and affordable. You can apply online or via mail to have your brand recorded in the official state brand book. Once approved, your brand becomes a recognized legal mark of ownership in Washington state. We also offer brand renewal services every four years to ensure records are up to date. If you sell or transfer ownership of your herd, our brand inspectors will help facilitate and verify the transition.
     
    Branding might seem like a small step, but it can have impacts. For ranchers, it means security. For buyers, it means trust. And for law enforcement, it’s the key to accountability.

• Report missing or stolen livestock promptly.

  • Report missing or stolen livestock to both WSDA and law enforcement. If cattle or horses stray onto your property and you can’t find the owner, promptly contact local law enforcement, county animal control, or WSDA. You are not legally allowed to keep the livestock. Once you file a “found livestock” report, arrangements will be made to remove the animal. You may be reimbursed for reasonable feed costs from the day you file the report until removal. Other costs like vet care or hoof trimming are not reimbursable.
     
    Efforts will be made to identify the owner through brands, tags, and newspaper ads. Anyone claiming the animal must show proof of ownership. If unclaimed, the animal will be sold at public auction, and proceeds held for one year.
    If the livestock caused property damage, you may keep the animal until damages are paid. See RCW 16.04 for more details on damage reimbursement.

• Schedule inspections when selling or transporting animals.

Final thoughts

In the fight against livestock theft, branding isn't just tradition, it's protection.

Thanks to the WSDA’s livestock inspection program and the authority granted by RCW 16.57, Washington livestock owners have a reliable, legal framework to safeguard their herds.

So, if you haven’t branded your animals or registered your brand yet, now is the time.

It’s simple.
It’s smart.
And it might just be what helps you bring your livestock home.