DATCP issues licensing clarification for commissioned animal dealers

A clarification concerning license requirements for commissioned animal dealers working as agents on behalf of slaughter facilities or other businesses was made by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP).

DATCP has been in discussions with the industry as to whether or not a commission buyer needs a license as a dealer to engage in the business of buying animals for slaughter as an agent of a different business.

A closer review of the definition of an animal dealer put forth in statute indicates that the term animal dealer refers to a "person who, as principal or agent, engages in the business of buying for resale or for slaughter, selling or exchanging livestock or wild animals."

"The employment situation is really the determining factor here as to whether a buyer requires a license to engage in the business of buying animals for resale or for slaughter, selling or exchanging livestock or wild animals," says Dr. Robert Ehlenfeldt, DATCP's State Veterinarian.

Ehlenfeldt explains that if a buyer purchases animals as an employee of a separately licensed dealer or market and works for that business entity exclusively, they do not require a dealer license.

However, if someone buys on commission for multiple businesses and is not an employee, they must be licensed as an animal dealer.

Questions should be directed to DATCP's Division of Animal Health at 608-224-4872 or visit the web site at datcp.wi.gov for more information.

Connect with DATCP on Twitter at twitter.com/widatcp or Facebook at facebook.com/widatcp.