Native American animal identification help available

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribal community along with other participating tribes and reservations have been approved to complete Premise Registration for all ranches located on participating reservations.

Currently the Premise Registration is voluntary. "We are encouraging all livestock producers to take advantage of this free service. The information used to register for premise identification is the same information required for a State brand," stated Anita Matt, Tribal Lands Department. Currently you can go online to the State APHIS (Animal Plant Health Inspection Service) to register or you can fill out a registration form and request a representative for NAIS to register for you.

"Please note that we are not encouraging ranchers to "tag" their animals yet," stated Matt. "We are only offering information about the NAIS program and assisting you with online or manual registration."

If you are interested in registering your ranch "premises" or have questions about National Animal Identification programs please contact Anita Matt at 644-3321 (h) or 529-5288 (c) or 675-2700, Ext. 1266 Tribal Lands Department.