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HomeFood and Agricultural CodeDiv. 9Pt. 1Ch. 3Art. 2§ 16525 Animal Seizure Removal Ban

§ 16525 Animal Seizure Removal Ban

Food and Agricultural Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 16525 Animal Seizure Removal Ban

This law says you can't take away any animal, hide, or carcass that a police officer or inspector has taken and kept, unless the officer who took it lets you have it back.

Key Takeaways

  • •You may not move or take any animal, hide, or carcass that has been seized.
  • •Only the officer who seized it can release it back to you.
  • •Doing otherwise is illegal.

Example

A health inspector finds a sick chicken on a farm, seizes it, and puts it in a holding pen. The farmer cannot bring the chicken home or move it elsewhere until the inspector says it’s okay.

Because the inspector seized the chicken, the farmer must wait for the inspector to release it; taking it away on his own would break the law.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 16525 Animal Seizure Removal Ban

It is unlawful for any person to remove any animal, hide or carcass, which is seized by an inspector or peace officer pursuant to any provision of this division, Division 10 (commencing with Section 20001), or Division 11 (commencing with Section 23001), from the premises where the inspector or peace officer confined it at the time of seizure, except upon release of such animal, hide or carcass, by the inspector or peace officer who seized the animal, hide, or carcass. (Added by Stats. 1973, Ch. 938.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

unlawfulremoveanimalhidecarcassseizedinspectorpeace officerpremisesrelease

Related Statutes

  • § 16524 Animal Seizure Compliance
  • § 20435 Animal Possession Investigation
  • § 20436 Animal Disposal Restrictions
  • § 20437 Animal Seizure Time Limits
  • § 20438 Animal Transport Inspection Authority

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Food and Agricultural Code. Section 16525.
View Official Source