Reporting Missing or Stolen Livestock

How to report missing or stolen livestock

When you believe that your livestock are missing and possibly stolen, you should immediately file a report with your local law enforcement and the Livestock Inspection Program. In this report, you will be asked to describe your missing animal in as much detail as possible. Make sure to note any distinctive markings, including brands that your animal may have as well as other details of the loss.

Upon receiving your missing and stolen information, the WSDA will distribute your written report to inspection staff statewide via email as well as other out of state contacts.

In most cases the ownership of livestock can be easily traced if the animal has a clear, readable Washington State recorded brand. Ownership of unbranded animals is often difficult to determine.

How to Report Lost or Found Livestock

If livestock (cattle or horses) stray onto your property and you are unable to locate the owner, contact your local law enforcement, county animal control officer and/or WSDA as soon as possible. Contrary to popular belief, the law does not allow you to "keep" livestock if you can not locate the owner.

After filing a "found livestock" report, arrangements will be made to have the animal removed from your property. You may be reimbursed for "reasonable" feed expenses starting on the day you filed the report and continuing until the animal is removed. Additional expenses you may incur while the animal is in your possession, such as health care, worming, trimming of feet, etc. are not reimbursable.

After the animal is removed, additional investigation will be done in an attempt to identify and locate the owner. This will include researching any brands the animal may have as well as ear tags, vaccination tags, etc. In addition, an advertisement will be placed in a newspaper located in the area the animal was found.

If an individual comes forward to claim the animal, valid proof of ownership must be submitted before the animal is released. If no one claims the animal after a period of time has passed, it will be sold at public auction and the proceeds retained by the program for one year on behalf of the unknown owner.

If you feel the livestock have damaged your property, you may retain custody of the animals until such time as these damages have been paid. For more information on damage reimbursement refer to RCW 16.04.