In any civil or criminal proceedings in which the title to animals is an issue, the brand certificate as provided for in this Act shall be prima facie evidence of the ownership of the animal by the person in whose name the brand is recorded. When requested to do so, disputes in custody or ownership of branded animals shall be investigated by State or county law enforcement officials or representatives of the Department. This Section 9 shall take effect on January 1, 1985.
510 ILCS 40/9