12.6.1903 TATTOOING
(1) Except as provided in ARM 12.6.903(5), each animal reported as required by ARM 12.6.1902 shall be permanently tattooed with an identifying number assigned by the department, within 15 days after the assignment of the number.
(2) Assigned numbers shall be tattooed on the inside of the left thigh, 6 inches or less from the abdomen. The tattoo shall be indelible and read from left to right as viewed from the animal's feet. Numbers or letters shall be no less than 3/8 inch in height on coyotes and 1/2 inch in height on bears, mountain lions, tigers and wolves.
(3) The tattoo shall be certified by either a veterinarian or a department employee.
(4) The department may permit ear tags or ear tattoos to be used as permanent identification of animals born and kept in captivity if the owner or breeder certifies to the department that the animals are intended to be slaughtered for their pelage prior to the age of one year. Any animals identified with ear tags or ear tattoos that are not slaughtered prior to the age of one year must be reported and tattooed as provided in ARM 12.6.1902(1) and 12.6.1903(1) respectively.
History: 87-1-231, 87-1-234, MCA; IMP, 87-1-231, 87-1-234, MCA; NEW, 1986 MAR p. 119, Eff. 1/31/86; AMD, 1996 MAR p. 1839, Eff. 7/4/96.