Livestock Brand Registration Deadline Dec. 31

Livestock brand owners in Hawai’i have until Dec. 31 to re-register their brands, according to the Hawai’i Department of Agriculture.

Those who do not register risk losing their rights to the brands under law that requires owners of livestock in the state to register in order to secure its validity and individuality.

It is not mandatory to use brands in Hawai’i, but those who choose to must register every five years.

“Brand owners may re-register at any time,” said Dr. Jason Moniz, veterinarian and manager of HDOA’s Animal Disease Control Branch. “However, if they do not re-register by December 31^st, they may potentially lose the right to their brand should someone else apply for it.”

In the five year span between 2010 and 2015, there were 712 registered brands in the state.

The HDOA says that cattle are generally branded prior to one year of age so owners have a permanent and unique identification on their animals that can trace them back to their ownership.

There are about 1,100 cattle operations that range from a handful to 26,000.

Registration costs $10, and the HDOA Animal Disease Control Branch will review brand applications and approve brands after they determine that it is not the same or similar to others already registered.

According to HDOA officials, branding is the most practical and approved means to determine cattle ownership.

To view registered brands or to obtain a brand registration form, visit the HDOA website.

Those interested in learning more should call the HDOA’s Animal Disease Control Branch at (808) 483-7106 or e-mail [email protected].