§ 5001 Tortoise Possession Exemption

Fish and Game Code·California

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Key Takeaways

•You can keep a tortoise if you got it before the law started.
•You must mark your tortoise so the government can tell it's yours.
•You can't give or sell your tortoise to someone else without asking the government first.

Example

You had a pet tortoise before the law was made.

You can keep your tortoise, but you have to mark it so the government knows it's yours. If you want to give it to your friend, you have to ask the government first.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 5001 Tortoise Possession Exemption

The provisions of Section 5000 do not prohibit the possession of any tortoise (Gopherus) when the owner can demonstrate that such tortoise was legally acquired and possessed before the effective date of this section. The owner of a tortoise which may be possessed under this section shall mark or otherwise identify such tortoise to the satisfaction of the department, and shall not transfer such tortoise to any other person without prior approval of the department. (Added by Stats. 1972, Ch. 301.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

tortoise (Gopherus)legally acquired prior approval of the department

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Fish and Game Code. Section 5001.

Key Takeaways

Example

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Related Statutes

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Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References