“Easter animal” sales illegal in San Antonio

Published on March 27, 2024

SAN ANTONIO (March 27, 2024) - With Easter approaching, San Antonio Animal Care Services (SAACS) wants to remind residents that the sale of baby animals as holiday novelties is illegal in the City of 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 8 weeks old as pets or novelties. The dyeing or staining of baby chicks, ducklings or rabbits is also against City ordinance, as is possessing animals that have been colored in this way. 

Additionally, City ordinance also bans the sale of animals on any roadside, public right of way, commercial parking lot or at any flea market or festival at any time of the year. The only exception to this law applies to properly licensed hatcheries or other businesses raising the animals for commercial purposes. Violators of these regulations face severe penalties and mandatory court appearances. SAACS encourages residents to visit SAACS.net for information on this and other City animal laws.