Civil Code section 656

Animals wild by nature are the subjects of ownership, while living, only when on the land of the person claiming them, or when tamed, or taken and held in possession, or disabled and immediately pursued.

Source: Section 656, https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV§ionNum=656. (accessed Nov. 2, 2026).

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Up to date

Verified:
Nov. 2, 2026

§ 656's source at ca.gov

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Location: https://california.public.law/codes/civil_code_section_656

Original Source: Section 656, https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV§ionNum=656. (last accessed May 12, 2025).