• Kansas has a long history of raising livestock.bullock 1 image by PeteG from Fotolia.com
  
  Livestock has played a vital role in the state of Kansas throughout the state's history. Towns such as Abilene, Dodge City and Wichita all got their start as railheads for cattle. Today, the state has a wide range of laws governing livestock, livestock owners and anyone bringing livestock into the state.
  
  

Definitions

• Kansas defines livestock as any animal deemed necessary by the state livestock commissioner to regulate. This includes cattle, hogs, horses, domesticated deer, sheep and members of the ratite family, such as ostriches, emus and rheas. Any producer, organization or person who breeds, grazes or feeds livestock is considered a livestock producer. Anyone who receives, holds or keeps livestock in pens or other enclosures on behalf of others to sell or trade for profit is considered a public livestock market operator.
  
  

Importation

• Any livestock brought into the state of Kansas must meet strict health requirements to prevent the spread of animal borne diseases and pathogens. According to the Kansas Animal Health Department, any animal brought into the state must be accompanied by an official health certificate. If the animal is used for breeding purposes, it must be individually identified as such by an approved USDA ear tag, a breed registration tattoo, microchip or registered notch.
  
  

Animal Cruelty

• Kansas has strict laws governing the proper treatment of all animals, including livestock. According to Kansas State Annotated section 21-4310, animal cruelty consists of any malicious killing, injury, maiming, burning, torturing or mutilation of any animal. Also, anyone who has physical custody over an animal who leaves it without proper care or who fails to provide adequate food, water and protection from the elements is also guilty of cruelty to animals. Cruelty to animals, depending on the severity of the offense, can be charged as either a felony or misdemeanor. A first-time felony conviction for animal cruelty comes with a minimum punishment of no less than 30 days in jail and no less than a $500 fine.