17552. It is unlawful for any person, with the intent to steal any sheep, goat, hog, shoat, or pig, or prevent its identification by the true owner, to do any of the following:(a) Mark or brand such an animal with any brand or mark except the recorded brand or brand and mark of the owner of the animal.(b) Alter or deface a brand or mark on such an animal.(Enacted by Stats. 1967, Ch. 15.)
California Legal Code
§ 17552
Source: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=FAC&division=9.&title=&part=2.&chapter=2.&article=· Version 2026