California · Penal Code

PEN §597t: Every person who keeps an animal confined in an enclosed area shall provide it with an adequate exercise area.

Misdemeanor

What this law says, in plain English

Pet owners must provide confined animals with adequate exercise area and, if leashed, ensure the restraint prevents entanglement and allows access to shelter, food, and water. Violation is a misdemeanor.

Read the full statutory text

Every person who keeps an animal confined in an enclosed area shall provide it with an adequate exercise area. If the animal is restricted by a leash, rope, or chain, the leash, rope, or chain shall be affixed in such a manner that it will prevent the animal from becoming entangled or injured and permit the animal’s access to adequate shelter, food, and water. Violation of this section constitutes a misdemeanor. This section shall not apply to an animal which is in transit, in a vehicle, or in the immediate control of a person.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.