The owner may brand or mark an animal on either side with the owner's brand or mark. The animal shall be branded or marked so that the brand or mark shows distinctly. Sheep may be marked distinctly with a mark or device to distinguish them readily when they become intermixed with other flocks of sheep owned in the state. Evidence of ownership by brand or mark may not be permitted in any court in this state unless the brand or mark is recorded as provided in AS 03.40.030.