SAN ANTONIO — As tempting as it may be to purchase fluffy Easter animals, officials remind that the sale of baby animals as holiday novelties is illegal.

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.

Also, as much as you may want to dye or stain those cute fluffy animals like you do your eggs, don't! The dyeing or staining of baby chicks, ducklings or rabbits is also against city ordinance as is even possessing animals that have been colored in this way.

The sale of animals any time of the year on any roadside, public right of way, commercial parking lot or at any flea market or festival is against the law in San Antonio.

The only exception to the “Easter animal” law applies to properly licensed hatcheries or other businesses raising the animals for commercial purposes.

Violators face stiff fines and mandatory court appearances.

For information on this and other city animal laws, residents are encouraged to visit saacs.net.