WSDA Blog

WSDA continues its diligent efforts to protect the health of livestock and the integrity of animal identification systems statewide. A recent enforcement case highlights the critical importance of following brand inspection and traceability regulations when transporting livestock across state lines.

A multi-year violation of livestock laws

In November 2023, WSDA received information that baby calves were being transported from a dairy in Sunnyside, WA to a feedlot in Idaho, where they were raised and later returned to the original dairy. Due to the large number of calves involved, WSDA’s Compliance Program conducted a review of animal health and brand records, which revealed that no health or brand inspections had been obtained for the removal of these calves from Washington state. A full investigation uncovered a consistent pattern of uninspected shipments dating back to March 2021.

WSDA has obtained records and statements showing that 10,393 calves were transported from a Washington dairy to a feedlot in Idaho between March 2021 and December 2023. Over this 34-month period, a transport company based in Kennewick, WA was contracted to carry out all shipments.

Neither the dairy operation nor the transport company obtained the required health or brand inspections nor paid the necessary animal disease traceability (ADT) fees for any of the documented shipments.

Under RCW 16.57.260, it is unlawful for any party to remove cattle without an inspection certificate. Additionally, RCW 16.36.150 requires payment of the ADT fee for such movements. WSDA records confirm that these regulatory requirements were not met by either party. While a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) must accompany any livestock transported out of Washington State, the CVI violation is investigated and enforced by the destination state.  In this case the investigative details were coordinated with the State of Idaho for follow-up.

Statements and documentation support allegations that the dairy operation initiated the out-of-state transport of cattle without securing required inspections, while the transport company executed the physical movement of the animals out of Washington State in violation of existing regulations.

Ensuring accountability

Thanks to meticulous record reviews and statements collected by the WSDA’s Compliance Program and Livestock Inspection Program, clear patterns of noncompliance were identified dating back to March 2021.

If the brand inspection and ADT fees had been properly obtained, the total cost would have exceeded $14,900—not including additional call-out or administrative fees. However, because these regulations were not followed, enforcement actions were taken to ensure accountability.

The WSDA has proposed 68 Notices of Infraction (NOIs)—34 related to brand inspections and 34 for traceability violations. Penalties for these violations are structured to reflect both the frequency and severity of the offenses, with escalating fines for repeated noncompliance.

Estimated regulatory compliance costs (Excluding Call-Out fees) 

• Brand inspection fees (if done per regulations): $12,575.53
• Animal disease traceability (ADT) fees (if paid as required): $2,390.39
• ​Total cost (brand inspection + ADT fees, excluding call-out fees): $14,965.92

Proposed enforcement 

Both involved parties have demonstrated compliance with state regulations since January 2024, following notification from WSDA regarding the violations. Given this recent compliance, the supporting evidence, and a desire to issue a penalty that serves both as a deterrent and as a proportional response to the cost of the originally required services, the following penalties were filed with Yakima and Benton County District Courts:

• Party 1 (Dairy Operation) was assessed a penalty in the amount of $33,705.00
• Party 2 (Transport Company) was assessed a penalty in the amount of $16,776.00

Copies of the infractions issued for violations of RCW 16.57.260 (brand inspection) will be provided to the Washington Beef Commission to determine if pursuing the collection of beef checkoff fees is warranted.
 
WSDA continues to exercise its enforcement authority thoughtfully, aiming to strike a balance between deterring violations and encouraging long-term compliance. Under RCW 16.57.360, the department has the authority to recover investigation-related costs; however, no decision has been made at this time regarding whether those fees will be applied in this case. 

WSDA issued a statement, in the amount of $2,390.39, for animal disease traceability fees to be paid by the Sunnyside dairy.

Why this matters

Brand inspections, health inspections, and traceability fees aren’t just bureaucratic red tape—they are foundational tools for protecting public and animal health. These programs help trace the movement of livestock in the event of disease outbreaks and safeguard the industry from fraudulent practices or theft.
The integrity of these systems depends on widespread compliance. Enforcement actions like this underscore the state’s dedication to ensuring fair and legal livestock movement, while also supporting the broader health and safety of Washington’s agricultural sector.

For more information about livestock inspections and traceability regulations in Washington, visit the WSDA Livestock Inspection Program webpage.