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California legal term

Live animal market in California Criminal Law

Current through 2026 California legislative session

In California criminal law, “Live animal market” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the California criminal code.

What does “Live animal market” mean in California criminal law?

“Live animal market” means a retail food market where, in the regular course of business, animals are stored alive and sold to consumers for the purpose of human consumption. (Cal. Penal Code § 597.3)

Statutes defining or using this term

Related terms in the same statutes

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.