If you're found guilty of intentionally killing an animal in California, you can expect to pay a fine and possibly spend time in prison.
California laws prohibit intentional malicious killing of animals. The crime is punishable by a fine of not more than $20,000, imprisonment in the state prison or both. The laws protect animals owned as pets, animals use in breeding for profit, work animals (farms and ranches), or animals used in motion pictures, in theaters or on television. Motion pictures for educational, research or scientific purposes are exempt.
Poisoning of Animals
Effects of abuse can lead to an unnecessary death.
Multiple killings are charged as separate crimes. Each penalty consists of probation, paying restitution, and successful completion of mandatory counseling for behavior and conduct disorders. The sheriff and/or animal control officer will remove any remaining live animals on the premises. Medical colleges and state universities are exempt. Deliberately poisoning animals is a misdemeanor. The exceptions are individuals ridding their land of predatory animals or a livestock-killing dog or packs. The landowner is responsible for posting a minimum of three signs with letters no less than 1 inch stating, "Warning-poisoned bait placed around these premises" until the poison is removed. It is illegal to obtain and use carbon monoxide gas or intracardiac injection or euthanasia on any conscious animal by any person other than a humane society officer or any officer within an animal regulation department.
Live Markets and Horses
Frogs, turtles and birds for human consumption being sold in live animal markets are to be treated humanely until sold to the consumer. Any person found dismembering, cutting open the animal, or removing the shell, skin, scales, or feathers while the animal is alive will be charged with cruelty and given a written warning. A second violation is punishable by a fine of $250, but not more than $1,000. Killing a horse for human consumption is punishable by up to 16 months to three years in prison. Serving horse meat at restaurants is a misdemeanor with a fine up to $1,000 or 30 days in jail, but no more than two years or both. A second violation results in two to five years in prison.
Extreme Weather
If any animal is left in a vehicle in extreme weather conditions and dies, it is punishable by a fine of up to $500 or six months in the county jail or both.
Other Misdemeanors
A $250 fine will be levied against any person allowing his dog to kill a guide dog for the blind or a service dog for the physically impaired. The same fine is levied if a person kills a dog or cat for its pelt. Killing any bird, or removing eggs or young birds from a nest in any public cemetery is considered vandalism against county property. Swallows' nests can be removed if their nesting season is complete and the person is issued a permit, according to California's Department of Fish and Game.
Related posts
Information About AnimalsThe world would be a much quieter place without animals. But we wouldn't know that, since we wouldn't be around. Yes, humans are animals, too. In addition to man, animals...
Tigers are a charasmatic mammal used to promote endangered species conservation.Humans rely on other living organisms for survival. We eat plants and animals and use them for shelter and protectio...
About Arctic AnimalsAccording to Sasks Schools, the arctic region is the most northern point on the planet, beginning at the north pole and ending at the Arctic Circle. Contrary to the connotation...
Special bacteria help the koala eat eucalyptus leaves that are poisonous to most animals.Australia has around one million native species of plants and animals. Because of its geographic isolation,...
Fertile American grasslands are home to a variety of plants and animals.The American grasslands, or prairies, are divided into two types of grassland. One is long-grass, which is humid and wet wit...
