How do I know if an equine is legally “mine”?

In California, the way to know if an equine is “legally yours” is to check the ownership documents associated with it. These documents are typically maintained by the county in which the equine is located or the California Department of Food and Agriculture. When you obtain the equine, you should check the registration papers to make sure that it is correctly identified. You should also check for any liens or encumbrances on the equine. If you bought the equine, you should make sure that you received a bill of sale that was signed by both you and the seller. A bill of sale is a document that legally transfers ownership of the equine from the seller to you. It should include the date and amount of purchase, a description of the equine, and the signatures of both parties. You should also file an application for a Certificate of Equine Ownership with the California Department of Food and Agriculture. The application must include the name and address of the owner, the equine’s registration number, and the equine’s description. Once the application is approved, the equine will be officially registered and you will receive a Certificate of Equine Ownership. In California, the owner of an equine is ultimately responsible for taking reasonable steps to verify that the equine is “legally theirs”. This can be done by checking the registration papers and/or obtaining a Certificate of Equine Ownership. Ultimately, it’s important to make sure that you take all necessary precautions to protect your equine ownership rights.

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