This is a somewhat old thread, but I've been researching about quail in Orem, Utah and thought I share what I've learned.
1) Orem Municipal Code has no references to quail at all, so, no regulations there.
2) Old-world quail (i.e.: coturnix) are unregulated in Utah, so no problems there...
I don't think there's anything wrong with it, nor is it unsafe, it's just not very appetizing, nor appealing. I think it should be phased out, and sold as animal feed. On the other hand, as the saying goes, "People are better off not knowing how their politics or their sausage are made." All...
In Orem, UT and thinking of getting chickens for the entertainment and health benefits. We live on a very small lot, even though I don't think the neighbors would care, but I'm not sure about the landlord...
It seems to me that you would have to consider the purpose of the animals. I have no problem killing pests that are in my house; it's my house, my territory, they trespassed. I am hesitant to kill anything outside of my house, even in my yard, but if it's a pest, I can do it. To kill to eat is...