ICYMI: Easter Animal Sales Illegal in San Antonio
March 30, 2021 - San Antonio
By Jade Esteban Estrada, Staff Writer | San Antonio Sentinel
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
- In accordance with City animal laws, the sale of baby animals as holiday novelties is illegal in San Antonio
- The dyeing or staining of baby chicks, ducklings, or rabbits is also against City ordinance
- Violators face fines and mandatory court appearances
As Easter weekend grows near, Animal Care Services reminded residents on Monday that the sale of baby animals as holiday novelties is illegal in San Antonio. According to the City’s animal laws, “it is illegal for any person to sell or offer for sale, barter, lease, rent or give away baby chicks or ducklings or rabbits less than eight weeks old as pets or novelties.”
“The dyeing or staining of baby chicks, ducklings, or rabbits is also against City ordinance as is even possessing animals that have been colored in this way,” said a City spokesperson in a press release.
City law bans the sale of animals any time of the year on roadside, public right of way, commercial parking lot or at any flea market or festival.
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The only exception to the Easter animal law applies to licensed hatcheries or other businesses raising the animals for commercial purposes. Violators face fines and mandatory court appearances.
For more information on this and other City animal laws, visit the Animal Care Services website.
Jade Esteban Estrada is a staff writer for the San Antonio Sentinel, where he covers public health and other citywide issues. jade@sasentinel.com | Twitter: @getjaded