Missouri Revised Statutes Title XVII. Agriculture and Animals § 268.111. Disputed ownership investigated, how--costs, how paid

In all suits at law or equity or in any criminal proceedings in which the title to animals is an issue, the certified copies recorded as provided for in section 268.061 shall be prima facie evidence of the ownership of the animal by the person in whose name the brand is recorded. Disputes in custody or ownership of branded animals shall be investigated, on request, by the sheriff of the county where the animals are located and he may call upon the services of a disinterested veterinarian, approved by the director of the department of agriculture, in reading the brands on animals. The cost of the veterinarian's services shall be borne by the person requesting the investigation, but this cost shall be reasonable and fair. The results of the sheriff's investigation shall be a public record and be admissible in evidence.