Section 596 Of Title 14. Malicious Mischief 594-625c From California Penal Code >> Title 14. >> Part 1.
596
. 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.