From: Michelle Carlile [SMTP:mcarlile@texascattleraisers.org]
 Sent: Wednesday, May 26, 2004 3:10 PM
 To: Fitzgerald, Patricia I
 Subject: RE: Question regarding brand inspection on equine  slaughter...

 Pat,

 It is law in the state of Texas to register your brand if you intend on  branding your livestock.  It is not mandatory to brand your livestock.  Livestock stands for cattle, horses, hogs, sheep or goats.  A person must  register their brand at the County Clerks office in the county where their  livestock resides.  The County Clerk then must send TSCRA a copy of the
 registered brand, which in turn will be entered into a statewide database,  this includes all livestock.   

 TSCRA has a Market Inspector stationed at both slaughter plants in Texas  and also has Market Inspectors present at all cattle sales in the state of  Texas.  Unfortunately, TSCRA does not have jurisdiction to slaughter  plants or cattle markets outside of the state of Texas.

To answer your question more clearly, our Market Inspectors inspect every  horse and/or cattle that goes through the plant/market.  They complete a  form on each animal that lists all marks, brands, tattoos and any other  identifying characteristics on the animal, along with the shipper name and  address.  The forms are then sent to TSCRA Headquarters where they are  entered into and kept in a computer database.  Now if your horse or cow  comes up missing, we can do a search in our database to see if it was  taken to either the horse plant or cattle market. 

 I hope I have answered your questions.  If you are still uncertain about  something, please feel free to cal me at 800-242-7820.

 Sincerely,
 Michelle Carlile
 Executive Secretary
 Law Enforcement
 817-916-1771 

 -----Original Message-----
 From: Fitzgerald, Patricia I [mailto:patricia.fitzgerald@twc.state.tx.us]
 Sent: Tuesday, May 25, 2004 9:06 AM
 To: Larry Gray
 Cc: Michelle Carlile
 Subject: Question regarding brand inspection on equine slaughter...

 Good morning,
 Could you explain what process is done in regards to inspecting brands on  horses sent to Dallas Crown and BelTex.  Texas' slaughter plants.  I read  the information on your website regarding a national database on cattle  brands but what about horses?  Do you inspect brands from across the US,  as  with cattle, or just Texas registered brands?

 Also, if Cavel opens in DeKalb Illinois, will the same process apply there  as in Texas?
 Want to make sure my horses are protected.  Thank you.

 Pat Fitzgerald
 Paige, Texas