Montana Title 81. Livestock § 81-9-403. Seizure and sale of hides when ownership cannot be determined--disposition of proceeds

(1) A state stock inspector or other officer who has authority to make an inspection of a slaughtered beef, veal, or hide of a beef or veal may seize and hold the hide when on inspection the officer finds that the brand is so altered, obliterated, or defaced that the original brand cannot be determined by a reasonable inspection or when the inspector or officer finds that ownership cannot be established by the brand or by other satisfactory proof.

(2) If, within 15 days after the seizure of the hide, proof of ownership cannot be established either by brand, bill of sale, or otherwise, the inspector or officer may sell the hide at the best available price and remit the proceeds, less the cost of processing, storing, and selling, to the department together with a full report of the investigation. The report must contain a statement of the reason for the seizure and sale together with any tendered proof of ownership of any party. The proceeds must be deposited by the department with the state treasurer and credited to the stock estray fund, where it is subject to claim by a party showing proper proof of ownership in the same manner as provided in 81-4-605.