South Dakota Lawmakers Consider Livestock Inspection Fees

PIERRE - A legislative panel is reviewing the state Brand Board's decision to increase the fee for livestock inspections designed to prevent the theft of cattle, horses and mules in western South Dakota.

The board decided last month to boost the inspection fee from 90 cents a head to $1. The increase is intended to keep the brand inspection program in the black for a few more years.

But the Legislature's Rules Review Committee must also approve the fee increase before it can take effect. The legislative panel plans to review the fee increase Tuesday.

Brand inspections are required when cattle, horses or mules are sold, slaughtered or moved out of the inspection area west of the Missouri River.

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