According to California law, it is currently legal to poison "predatory animals" if they come onto a property, as long as the property owner posts signs stating poisoned bait has been placed on the premises.

From CA penal code 596:  ..."such person shall not be charged with any civil liability to another party in the event that any domestic animal belonging to such party becomes injured or killed by trespassing or partaking of the poisonous substance or substances so placed."

Harming an animal in any way, shape or form is not an acceptable way of dealing with a problem. There are many more effective, cost free, and simple ways of deterring cats from coming on to a residential or commercial property. 

Let's let our California lawmakers know CA citizens want this inhumane law abolished. Sign this petition today to have your voice heard, and help our community cats now, and for generations to come.

 

PENAL CODE - PEN
PART 1. OF CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS [25 - 680.4]
  ( Part 1 enacted 1872. )
  TITLE 14. MALICIOUS MISCHIEF [594 - 625c]
  ( Title 14 enacted 1872. )  596.  

Summary: This statute makes it a misdemeanor to poison an animal, but gives an exception to a property owner trying to control or destroy predatory animals or livestock-killing dogs on his/her property, if the owner displays specified warning signs.

Every person who, without the consent of the owner, wilfully administers poison to any animal, the property of another, or exposes any poisonous substance, with the intent that the same shall be taken or swallowed by any such animal, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

However, the provisions of this section shall not apply in the case of a person who exposes poisonous substances upon premises or property owned or controlled by him for the purpose of controlling or destroying predatory animals or livestock-killing dogs and if, prior to or during the placing out of such poisonous substances, he shall have posted upon the property conspicuous signs located at intervals of distance not greater than one-third of a mile apart, and in any case not less than three such signs having words with letters at least one inch high reading “Warning—Poisoned bait placed out on these premises,” which signs shall be kept in place until the poisonous substances have been removed. Whenever such signs have been conspicuously located upon the property or premises owned or controlled by him as hereinabove provided, such person shall not be charged with any civil liability to another party in the event that any domestic animal belonging to such party becomes injured or killed by trespassing or partaking of the poisonous substance or substances so placed.

(Amended by Stats. 1941, Ch. 494.)

 

Petition hosted & managed by Stray Paws Animal Haven

https://www.straypawsanimalhaven.org/

More ways to help can be viewed here & here.