WASHINGTON STATUTES AND CODES

16.36.140 - Bringing livestock into the state -- Securing a certificate of veterinary inspection required -- Exemptions -- Director's authority -- Time and mileage fee -- Rules.

Bringing livestock into the state — Securing a certificate of veterinary inspection required — Exemptions — Director's authority — Time and mileage fee — Rules.

(1) It is unlawful for a person to bring livestock into Washington state without first securing a certificate of veterinary inspection, reviewed by the state veterinarian of the state of origin, verifying that the livestock meet Washington state animal health requirements. This subsection does not apply to livestock that:

     (a) Have been exempted by the director by rule; or

     (b) Will be delivered within twelve hours after entry into Washington state to:

     (i) An approved, inspected feed lot for slaughter;

     (ii) A federally inspected slaughter plant; or

     (iii) A licensed public livestock market for sale and subsequent delivery within twelve hours to:

     (A) An approved, inspected feed lot for slaughter; or

     (B) A federally inspected slaughter plant.

     (2) The director may monitor livestock entering Washington state. Persons importing, transporting, receiving, feeding, or housing imported livestock shall:

     (a) Comply with the requirement and any exemptions specified in subsection (1) of this section; and

     (b) Make the livestock and related records available for inspection by the director.

     (3) The department may charge a time and mileage fee for inspecting livestock and related records during an investigation of a proven violation of this section. The fee is eighty-five dollars per hour and the current mileage rate set by the office of financial management. The director may increase the hourly fee by rule as necessary to cover costs of investigations. All fees collected pursuant to this subsection shall be deposited in an account in the agricultural local fund and used to carry out the purposes of this chapter.

     (4) The director may adopt and enforce rules necessary to carry out the purpose and provisions of this section.