1. A person may not transport or attempt to transport cattle, horses, or mules from this state unless a brand inspector has inspected the livestock and issued a certificate of ownership. The certificate must remain with the livestock while in transit and be presented to the purchaser upon arrival at the destination. This subsection does not apply to a person that: a. Transports cattle, horses, or mules from this state to obtain for the animals emergency medical treatment by a licensed veterinarian; or b. Transports cattle, horses, or mules from this state to a livestock auction market, buying station, or packing plant, that is located in a bordering state and which is provided with brand inspection services in accordance with section 4.1-73-24.

2. A person may not remove cattle, horses, or mules from a livestock auction market, buying station, or packing plant until a brand inspector has inspected the livestock and issued a certificate of ownership.

3. Any person willfully violating this section is guilty of a class A misdemeanor. Any person willfully violating this section a second time within five years or willfully violating this section three or more times is guilty of a class C felony.