Montana Code Annotated · § 81-3-221 — Brands fraudulently changed

Whenever a mark or brand upon any neat cattle, horse, or other animal has been fraudulently altered, obliterated, or defaced so that the original mark or brand cannot be determined through the external inspection thereof, any stock inspector or sheriff may seize and kill the animal to ascertain the mark or brand so altered or defaced. Payment equal to the fair market value of the live animal shall be made after proper ownership is determined.