California · Fish and Game Code - FGC

FGC §2015: (a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, it is unlawful to possess a bird, mammal, fish, amphibian, or reptile, that may not be legally sold, in a restaurant or other eating establishment.

Misdemeanor

What this law says, in plain English

It is unlawful to possess wildlife species that cannot be legally sold in a restaurant or eating establishment, with exceptions for lawfully taken animals and certain preparation scenarios.

Read the full statutory text

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, it is unlawful to possess a bird, mammal, fish, amphibian, or reptile, that may not be legally sold, in a restaurant or other eating establishment. (b) This section does not apply to any of the following: (1) A person who lawfully took or otherwise legally possessed the bird, mammal, fish, amphibian, or reptile. (2) A person preparing the bird, mammal, fish, amphibian, or reptile for consumption by the person who lawfully took or possessed it, or by that person and others, if the person who took or possessed it is present on the premises. (3) A bird, mammal, fish, amphibian, or reptile tagged with a signed statement of the person who took the bird, mammal, fish, amphibian, or reptile stating that person’s name and address, the date taken, and the total number and kind taken.

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