Health and Safety Code § 121865

Any live wild animal brought into this state in violation of the provisions of this chapter or any regulations thereunder may, upon notice from the enforcing officer inspecting them or discovering the violation, be returned to the point of origin, or destroyed, within the time specified in the notice, at the option of the owner or bailee.

The exercise of any such option shall be under the direction and control of the enforcing officer and at the expense of the owner or bailee. If the owner or bailee fails to exercise the option within the time specified in the notice, the enforcing officer shall immediately thereafter seize and destroy the animals at the expense of the owner or bailee.