Montana § 81-4-214 - Branding Animals Running At Large -- Running Irons Prohibited

Full text of Montana Montana Code Annotated § 81-4-214 — Branding Animals Running At Large -- Running Irons Prohibited, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 81-4-214. Branding Animals Running At Large -- Running Irons Prohibited

Branding animals running at large -- running irons prohibited. Every person except an owner, and the owner only when branding on the owner's own premises and in the presence of two responsible citizens, who marks or brands any calf or cattle that are running at large between December 1 and May 10 of the next ensuing year and every person who shall at any time brand or cause to be branded or marked any horse, mule, cattle or head of cattle, sheep, llama, alpaca, bison, swine, or other animal, 1 year old or older, with any piece of metal or implement, other than a branding iron, which branding iron must be of the same design as the brand or mark owned by the party using it, or who marks or brands or causes to be marked or branded any of the animals listed in this section with any piece or pieces of iron called "running irons", such as bars, rings, half or quarter circles, is punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for not exceeding 6 months or by a fine of not less than $25 or more than $500, or both.

Source: official Montana text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Montana § 81-4-214

What does Montana Code Annotated § 81-4-214 cover?

Section 81-4-214 ("Branding Animals Running At Large -- Running Irons Prohibited") is part of the Montana Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Montana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Montana § 81-4-214?

A common citation format is "Montana Code Annotated § 81-4-214" (Montana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Montana law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Montana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Montana attorney.

How does Montana § 81-4-214 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Montana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Montana.