California · Penal Code

PEN §597s: (a) Every person who willfully abandons any animal is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Misdemeanor

What this law says, in plain English

Willfully abandoning any animal is a criminal misdemeanor, except for release or rehabilitation of native California wildlife under Fish and Game rules.

Read the full statutory text

(a) Every person who willfully abandons any animal is guilty of a misdemeanor. (b) This section shall not apply to the release or rehabilitation and release of native California wildlife pursuant to statute or regulations of the California Department of Fish and Game.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

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