California · Civil Code

CIV §656: Animals wild by nature are the subjects of ownership, while living, only when on the land of the person claiming them, or when tamed, or taken and held in possession, or disabled and immediately pursu

What this law says, in plain English

Wild animals can be owned only while on the owner's land, when tamed, captured and held, or when disabled and immediately pursued.

Read the full statutory text
Animals wild by nature are the subjects of ownership, while living, only when on the land of the person claiming them, or when tamed, or taken and held in possession, or disabled and immediately pursued.

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