Is it against California law to keep an injured stray pet dog or cat, even if no harm is caused by doing so?

Yes, in California, it is generally against the law to keep an injured stray dog or cat without making reasonable efforts to locate the owner or report the animal to the appropriate authorities.

Key Legal Considerations:

1. Lost or Stray Pets
   Under California Civil Code § 2080, if you find a lost pet, you are required to make reasonable efforts to find the rightful owner. This includes reporting the pet to a local animal shelter or animal control agency.
2. Holding Period & Ownership
   If an animal is unclaimed after a legally mandated holding period (usually 72 hours to several days, depending on local ordinances), shelters may allow adoption. However, simply keeping the animal without reporting it may be considered theft or unlawful possession.
3. Injured Animals
   • Under California Penal Code § 597.1, if an animal is injured, it must receive proper care. Animal control officers are typically responsible for handling injured strays.
   • Keeping an injured animal without seeking medical treatment or notifying authorities could lead to charges of animal neglect or improper possession.
4. Good Samaritan Protections
   • If you take an injured stray to a vet, you won’t be financially responsible if you notify authorities properly.
   • Some local laws allow citizens to temporarily care for strays, but you must report them.

What Should You Do?

• Report the stray to local animal control or a shelter.
• Take the pet to a vet if it needs immediate care, and notify authorities.
• Check for a microchip or lost pet notices to help reunite the pet with its owner.

Failing to follow these steps could result in legal consequences, even if your intentions are good.

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​In California, the handling of injured stray pets is governed by both state laws and local ordinances, which can vary by county. Here are some county-specific guidelines:​

Los Angeles County:

• Individuals who find stray animals are required to notify the nearest city animal shelter within four hours and provide a description of the animal and the location where it was found. If the finder wishes to provide home care for a stray dog without a license tag or a stray cat, they must:​American Legal Publishing+1General Code+1
  • Notify the nearest city animal shelter within four hours of finding the animal.​American Legal Publishing
  • Provide a description of the animal, the location where it was found, and the finder’s contact information.​American Legal Publishing
  • Within 24 hours, take the animal to a veterinarian or the nearest animal shelter for a microchip scan and necessary veterinary care.​American Legal Publishing
  • Complete and submit a foster care agreement to the Department.​American Legal Publishing+1Animal Care Services+1
  • After 30 days, either surrender the animal to the nearest city animal shelter or complete the adoption process, which includes vaccinations and sterilization.​American Legal Publishing
  • Failure to comply with these requirements may result in legal consequences.​

Orange County:

• The county’s ordinances specify that sick, injured, stray, or unwanted animals, for which the owner or custodian cannot be found or is unable or unwilling to provide proper care, may be impounded by animal control authorities. ​Municode Library

Santa Barbara County:

• Anyone taking possession of a loose or stray animal may only hold the animal for up to 24 hours before turning it over to the appropriate authorities. ​Santa Barbara County+1American Legal Publishing+1

Sonoma County:

• Finders of stray animals in the City of Santa Rosa or unincorporated areas of Sonoma County are required to report the found animal to Sonoma County Animal Services within 24 hours. If the found cat is injured or ill, it should be confined, and Animal Control should be contacted for pickup, or the cat should be taken to a 24-hour veterinary hospital. ​County Of Sonoma

Benicia (Solano County):

• All impounded dogs and cats not wearing a license tag or other form of positive identification shall be kept in the animal shelter or other authorized place of impoundment for a period of not less than six business days following the day of impoundment unless redeemed within such period. ​General Code

Given that local ordinances can vary significantly, it’s crucial to contact your local animal control agency or shelter for specific guidance on handling injured stray pets in your area. This ensures compliance with local laws and the best care for the animal.