(a) A dairy exemption number shall be evidence of ownership of cull beef cows and bulls of a recognized dairy breed presented for sale at a registered or posted salesyard, or licensed slaughter plant for immediate slaughter. Any person owning a dairy farm as defined in Section 32505 may apply to the secretary for an exemption number.

(b) Every five years, the secretary may charge a fee to cover the cost of issuing and renewing a dairy exemption number. The fee may not exceed fifty dollars ($50). The secretary may refuse to issue such number to persons who have violated any provision of Division 9 (commencing with Section 16301), Division 10 (commencing with Section 20001), or Division 11 (commencing with Section 23001) of the Food and Agricultural Code, or to persons convicted of livestock theft.

(c) The dairy exemption number shall be written on the bill of consignment, defined in Section 21703, when the cattle and consignment slip are presented to an inspector at the registered or posted salesyard, or licensed slaughter plant. The salesyard operator shall display the letters “EX” in the description line of the salesyard outbilling. An exemption number shall be deemed to meet the identification information requirements of Section 21703. The cows shall be consigned, owned, and sold in the name of the person having the exemption number.

(d) The secretary may revoke the dairy exemption number of any person who violates any provision of Division 9 (commencing with Section 16301), Division 10 (commencing with Section 20001), or Division 11 (commencing with Section 23001) of the Food and Agricultural Code, or who is convicted of livestock theft.

(Amended by Stats. 2007, Ch. 124, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2008.)