California statute
Cal. Penal Code § 491
Current through 2025–2026 Regular Session (leginfo weekly dump, 2026-07-12)
Part of Chapter 5: Larceny, California Penal Code.
Full text of Cal. Penal Code § 491
Statutory text current through the 2025–2026 Regular Session (leginfo weekly dump, 2026-07-12). This publication reproduces the official statutory text; it is not the official statutes of the State of California.
(a) Companion animals are personal property, and their value is to be ascertained in the same manner as the value of other property. (b) (1) For purposes of this section, “companion animal” means an animal, including, but not limited to, a dog or a cat that a person keeps and provides care for as a household pet or otherwise for the purpose of companionship, emotional support, service, or protection. (2) For purposes of this section, “companion animal” excludes feral animals, including, but not limited to, feral cats as defined in Section 31752.5 of the Food and Agricultural Code.
Official sources
Legal terms used in this section
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.