(a) Domesticated game breeders or other persons holding domesticated big game mammals including nonnative hoofed big game mammals in captivity shall within 30 days after such mammals are acquired, or born, mark each animal with a seal, ear tag or other marking device supplied by the Department of Fish and Game. Alternate methods of marking big game mammals may be used upon approval by the department.

(b) The requirements of this section shall not apply to public zoological gardens, game breeders holding animals on any island in the Santa Barbara Channel area, and to those animals presently in captivity in such cases where the department determines that the capturing and marking or tagging would create a substantial risk to human safety or to the health and safety of the animals.

(c) The seals shall be numerically identified and issued at a cost of 25 cents (25¢) per seal. The seals shall be issued only from the Sacramento office of the Department of Fish and Game.