Montana Code Annotated 2023

TITLE 87. FISH AND WILDLIFE

CHAPTER 4. COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES

Part 4. Alternative Livestock Ranches

Revocation Of License -- Procedure -- Disposition Of Animals

87-4-423. Revocation of license -- procedure -- disposition of animals. (1) Proceedings for the revocation of a license or the discipline of a licensee must be based on a determination by the department, after an investigation, that there is good cause and a sufficient factual basis to believe that the licensee or the principal manager is responsible for one or more of the acts or omissions set out in 87-4-427(1).

(2) The department may initiate revocation or disciplinary proceedings against a licensee by specifying the grounds in writing to the licensee and providing an opportunity for a hearing as provided in 87-4-428.

(3) Upon discovery of a violation of recordkeeping or reporting requirements that is not a material violation or an attempt to deceive, the department shall give notice of the violation to the licensee, with a statement that the violation must be corrected within 30 days of the notice, unless a longer period is approved by the department. Upon failure of the licensee to correct the violation, the department may institute revocation proceedings.

(4) (a) A licensee whose license is revoked shall lawfully dispose of any alternative livestock held pursuant to the license. Lawfully acquired and held alternative livestock may be disposed of by the licensee within 180 days of the license revocation or within a longer period if specified by the department in the revocation order. After the expiration of this period, the department shall seize and dispose of any alternative livestock that have not been lawfully disposed of by the licensee. Any proceeds that remain after deducting the department's expenses revert to the licensee. Any unrecovered costs may be charged to the licensee.

(b) The department, when it is determined to be necessary by the state veterinarian appointed pursuant to 81-1-301, may require that diseased or potentially diseased alternative livestock be quarantined or destroyed.

History: En. Sec. 18, Ch. 570, L. 1983; amd. Sec. 5, Ch. 531, L. 1991; amd. Sec. 13, Ch. 315, L. 1993; amd. Sec. 23, Ch. 574, L. 1999.