1. (a) Desert tortoises may be possessed only under the authority of a permit issued by the department. The department may issue a permit for the possession of a desert tortoise provided the tortoise was legally acquired and possessed prior to March 7, 1973. The department may require an applicant for a permit to submit proof of the legal acquisition of any desert tortoise.
2. (b) Applications for a tortoise permit shall be submitted on forms furnished by the department and may be filed with the department at any time. Upon approval of the application, the department shall provide a tag which shall be affixed to the desert tortoise as directed by the department.
3. (c) No desert tortoise may be transferred to any other person without prior department approval.
4. (d) Possession of a desert tortoise, regardless of subspecies, except under the authority of a department permit is in violation of this section. Untagged desert tortoises shall be seized by the department.

Note: Authority cited: Sections 200, 265, 1002 and 5002, Fish and Game Code. Reference: Sections 200, 201, 203.1, 265, 5000, 5001, 5002, 5060 and 5061, Fish and Game Code.

History

1. New section filed 10-11-73; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 73, No. 41).

2. Amendment of Note filed 7-16-81; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 81, No. 29).

3. Editorial correction of Note filed 9-20-85; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 85, No. 38).

4. Change without regulatory effect amending Note filed 8-8-2019 pursuant to section 100, title 1, California Code of Regulations (Register 2019, No. 32).