Montana Title 81. Livestock § 81-9-201. Meat establishment license--fees and renewals

(1) Except as provided in 50-49-303  1, it is unlawful for a person, firm, or corporation to engage in the business of slaughtering livestock or poultry, including the operation of a mobile slaughter facility as defined in 81-9-217, or processing, storing, or wholesaling livestock or poultry products without having a license issued by the department. The department shall establish an annual fee for a license issued under this section, to be paid into the state special revenue fund for the use of the department.

(2) All licenses expire each year on the anniversary date established by rule by the board of review established in 30-16-302 and must be renewed by the department on request of the licensee. However, when the department finds that the establishment for which the license is issued is not conducted in accordance with the rules and orders of the board made under 81-2-102, the department shall revoke the license and may not renew it until the establishment is in a sanitary condition in accordance with department rules.

(3) Investor-owned equine slaughter or processing facilities must be licensed pursuant to this section.

(4) A person, firm, or corporation violating this section or any rule or order promulgated by authority of 81-2-102 is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be fined not more than $500.