A conflict brewing between Alberta’s livestock inspection service and a group of feedlot operators could end up in court.
Eight feedlots have refused to pay brand inspection fees, claiming they have already paid for inspection elsewhere.
“Most of them are refusing to pay for the brand inspection services we provide on Montana and Manitoba cattle,” said Ken Weir, manager of the livestock inspection service.
When about 30 feedlots refused to pay for brand inspection last year, the agency wrote letters to each one in arrears. A number settled their bills but eight remain unpaid.
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If they do not pay, the issue may have to be settled in court. About 50,000 head are involved.
Alberta legislation says all cattle that go into a public auction market, a feedlot or packing plant must be brand inspected to verify ownership.
Alberta’s fee is $1 and an average market animal could be inspected 21Ú2 times.
The conflict started when the restricted feeder program opened Canadian borders to American cattle imports in 1998. There was no agreement among states and provinces to recognize each other’s inspection rules.
For example, Saskatchewan does not require brand inspection on cattle entering feedlots. British Columbia accepts documentation from anywhere, while Alberta insists on inspection at every point of public sale. Manitoba does not have brand inspection.
The original trade agreement said American animals from six approved states would be fattened in Canada and slaughtered.
Instead, animals were resold.
Bred heifers, cows and bulls also entered the country and some people complained this violated the spirit of the agreement.
Feedlot owner Don Alberts, of Brooks, Alta., last fall bought cattle in Montana, paid for brand inspection there and then loaded the animals into sealed trucks for the four-hour journey to his southern Alberta feedlot.
“They crossed the border in my name. They are my cattle,” he said.
