California § 597.3 - Every person who operates a live animal market shall do all of the following: (1)
Full text of California Public Contract Code - PCC § 597.3 — Every person who operates a live animal market shall do all of the following: (1), with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 597.3. Every person who operates a live animal market shall do all of the following: (1)
(a) Every person who operates a live animal market shall do all of the following: (1) Provide that no animal will be dismembered, flayed, cut open, or have its skin, scales, feathers, or shell removed while the animal is still alive. (2) Provide that no live animals will be confined, held, or displayed in a manner that results, or is likely to result, in injury, starvation, dehydration, or suffocation. (b) As used in this section: (1) âAnimalâ means frogs, turtles, and birds sold for the purpose of human consumption, with the exception of poultry. (2) âLive animal marketâ 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. (c) Any person who fails to comply with any requirement of subdivision (a) shall for the first violation, be given a written warning in a written language that is understood by the person receiving the warning. A second or subsequent violation of subdivision (a) shall be an infraction, punishable by a fine of not less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250), nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000). However, a fine paid for a second violation of subdivision (a) shall be deferred for six months if a course is available that is administered by a state or local agency on state law and local ordinances relating to live animal markets. If the defendant successfully completes that course within six months of entry of judgment, the fine shall be waived. The state or local agency may charge the participant a fee to take the course, not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100).
Source: official California text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About California § 597.3
What does Public Contract Code - PCC § 597.3 cover?
Section 597.3 ("Every person who operates a live animal market shall do all of the following: (1)") is part of the Public Contract Code - PCC, the codified statutory law of California. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite California § 597.3?
A common citation format is "Public Contract Code - PCC § 597.3" (California). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of California law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the California official source linked on this page or consult a licensed California attorney.
How does California § 597.3 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in California can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in California.