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HomeFood and Agricultural CodeDiv. 9Pt. 1Ch. 3Art. 2§ 16521 Livestock Seizure And Notice

§ 16521 Livestock Seizure And Notice

Food and Agricultural Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 16521 Livestock Seizure And Notice

This law lets an inspector take a cow, horse, mule, or burro (or its hide or carcass) if the person has it but can't prove they own it, if nobody claims it when it's shown for inspection, or if it's a stray animal.

Key Takeaways

  • •Inspectors can seize livestock or hides if the holder has no proof of ownership.
  • •Animals shown for inspection that no one claims can also be seized.
  • •Stray animals defined elsewhere can be taken too.
  • •When seized, the person must get a notice of their rights.

Example

A farmer finds a stray horse on his land and keeps it, but he doesn't have any paperwork showing he owns the horse.

Because the farmer can't prove ownership, an inspector can seize the horse and must give the farmer a notice of his rights.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 16521 Livestock Seizure And Notice

(a) An inspector shall seize any bovine animal, horse, mule, or burro, or the hide or carcass of any of those animals, that is within any of the following classes: (1) Found in the possession of a person who does not also have in his or her possession proof of ownership. (2) Presented for inspection and that is not claimed by the consignor or consignee. (3) An estray as defined in Section 17001.5. (b) At the time of seizure, the person from whom the animal is seized shall be given a notice of rights under this chapter. (Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 680, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1999.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

inspectorseizebovine animalhorsemuleburrohidecarcassproof of ownershipestraynotice of rights

Related Statutes

  • § 16524 Animal Seizure Compliance
  • § 16525 Animal Seizure Removal Ban
  • § 20435 Animal Possession Investigation
  • § 20436 Animal Disposal Restrictions
  • § 20437 Animal Seizure Time Limits

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Food and Agricultural Code. Section 16521.
View Official Source