(1) A Colorado brand inspector shall inspect all cattle entering a Colorado custom feedlot for feeding under a custom contract if the cattle are not accompanied by a brand certificate or valid documentation of purchase listing all brands, or no brands. In addition, all cattle entering Colorado for grazing purposes under a leased grazing agreement, owned by a nonresident, shall also be inspected by a duly authorized Colorado brand inspector. The brand inspector shall issue a certificate of inspection to the proven owner and a copy of such certificate to the custom feedlot operator or ranch manager after ownership is established and before the cattle are mixed with any other cattle or turned loose for grazing. Upon completion of the inspection, said inspector shall collect an inspection fee in the amount prescribed by the state board of stock inspection commissioners pursuant to section 35-41-104. If the cattle are carrying more than two consistent brands, the owner shall mark or brand all of his cattle with the same brand, with one of the two existing brands, with a brand of valid registry of the owner, with an ear tag specifically identifying each animal to a specific feedlot, or otherwise identify the cattle as prescribed by the board. Evidence of this brand or permanent mark shall be shown on the certificate of inspection in addition to brands or no brands found on the inspected cattle for future reference of valid proven ownership. When ear tags are utilized, each ear tag shall be legible and at least one inch in height and two inches in width.

(2) Any lessee, lessor, commercial feedlot owner, or established livestock owner who violates any of the provisions of this section commits a class 1 petty offense and shall be punished as provided in section 18-1.3-503, C.R.S. For a second or subsequent violation, such person described in this subsection (2) commits a class 3 misdemeanor and shall be punished as provided in section 18-1.3-501, C.R.S.