Hobbies And Interests
Poisoning of Animals
Multiple killings are charged as separate crimes. Each penalty consists of probation, paying restitution, and successful completion of mandatory counseling for behavior and conduct disorders. The sheriff and/or animal control officer will remove any remaining live animals on the premises. Medical colleges and state universities are exempt. Deliberately poisoning animals is a misdemeanor. The exceptions are individuals ridding their land of predatory animals or a livestock-killing dog or packs. The landowner is responsible for posting a minimum of three signs with letters no less than 1 inch stating, "Warning-poisoned bait placed around these premises" until the poison is removed. It is illegal to obtain and use carbon monoxide gas or intracardiac injection or euthanasia on any conscious animal by any person other than a humane society officer or any officer within an animal regulation department.
Live Markets and Horses
Frogs, turtles and birds for human consumption being sold in live animal markets are to be treated humanely until sold to the consumer. Any person found dismembering, cutting open the animal, or removing the shell, skin, scales, or feathers while the animal is alive will be charged with cruelty and given a written warning. A second violation is punishable by a fine of $250, but not more than $1,000. Killing a horse for human consumption is punishable by up to 16 months to three years in prison. Serving horse meat at restaurants is a misdemeanor with a fine up to $1,000 or 30 days in jail, but no more than two years or both. A second violation results in two to five years in prison.
Extreme Weather
If any animal is left in a vehicle in extreme weather conditions and dies, it is punishable by a fine of up to $500 or six months in the county jail or both.
Other Misdemeanors
A $250 fine will be levied against any person allowing his dog to kill a guide dog for the blind or a service dog for the physically impaired. The same fine is levied if a person kills a dog or cat for its pelt. Killing any bird, or removing eggs or young birds from a nest in any public cemetery is considered vandalism against county property. Swallows' nests can be removed if their nesting season is complete and the person is issued a permit, according to California's Department of Fish and Game.