“Easter Animal” Sales Illegal in San Antonio

Published on March 28, 2023

City of San Antonio Animal Care Services Department   


SAN ANTONIO (March 29, 2023) - 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, the 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 the “Easter Animal” law applies to properly licensed hatcheries or other businesses raising the animals for commercial purposes. Violators of this law face fines and mandatory court appearances. SAACS encourages residents to visit SAACS.net for information on this and other City animal laws.