An agister is a person who feeds or pastures livestock for a fee. Agistment contracts are generally subject to the law of bailments. The liability of an agister depends on the terms of the agreement. In the absence of a special contract, the agister is not an insurer against the escape of animals entrusted to his care, but the agreement may provide otherwise.
The District of Columbia General Form of Agreement or Contract is a legally binding document utilized in the District of Columbia to establish the terms and conditions between an owner of livestock (known as the "owner") and a person or entity responsible for providing care, custody, and maintenance of the livestock (known as the "sister"). This agreement serves as a comprehensive framework outlining the rights, responsibilities, and obligations of both parties involved in the agreement or boarding arrangement. It covers various aspects including the specific details of the livestock, the duration of the agreement, payment terms, and the standard of care to be provided by the sister. Key elements of the District of Columbia General Form of Agreement or Contract include: 1. Parties: Clearly identifies the owner and the sister involved in the agreement. It includes their full legal names, addresses, and any relevant contact information. 2. Livestock Description: Provides a detailed description of the livestock to be boarded, such as breed, sex, age, identification marks, and any specific medical or dietary requirements. 3. Term and Termination: Specifies the duration of the agreement, whether it is for a fixed term or on a month-to-month basis. It also outlines the necessary notice period required for either party to terminate the agreement. 4. Payment and Fees: States the amount of compensation to be paid by the owner to the sister for the provision of agreement services. It may include pricing details for additional services, such as veterinary care, farrier services, or feed supplements. 5. Standard of Care: Outlines the expected level of care to be provided by the sister, including appropriate housing, feeding, watering, exercise, and attention to the livestock's general wellbeing. It may also include provisions for emergency situations and access to veterinary care. 6. Liability and Insurance: Describes the liability and responsibility of each party in the event of injury, illness, or death of the livestock while in the sister's care. It may require the sister to maintain liability insurance to protect against potential claims. 7. Indemnification: Specifies that the owner will indemnify and hold the sister harmless from any claims, damages, or losses arising out of the livestock's actions or the owner's breach of the agreement. It is important to note that there may be various types of District of Columbia General Form of Agreement Agreements or Contracts available that cater to specific situations or livestock types. For instance, there might be separate forms for horse agreement, cattle agreement, or even specialized contracts for rare or exotic animal agreement. It is advisable to consult with legal professionals or agricultural associations for any specific types of agreement agreements required in the District of Columbia.
