California · Penal Code

PEN §598c: (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, it is unlawful for any person to possess, to import into or export from the state, or to sell, buy, give away, hold, or accept any horse with the intent

Felony

What this law says, in plain English

It is unlawful to possess, import, export, sell, buy, or accept a horse knowing it will be killed for human consumption. Violation is a felony punishable by state prison imprisonment.

Read the full statutory text

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, it is unlawful for any person to possess, to import into or export from the state, or to sell, buy, give away, hold, or accept any horse with the intent of killing, or having another kill, that horse, if that person knows or should have known that any part of that horse will be used for human consumption. (b) For purposes of this section, “horse” means any equine, including any horse, pony, burro, or mule. (c) Violation of this section is a felony punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for 16 months, or two or three years. (d) It is not the intent of this section to affect any commonly accepted commercial, noncommercial, recreational, or sporting activity that relates to horses. (e) It is not the intent of this section to affect any existing law that relates to horse taxation or zoning.

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.