We all know that some strange laws have ended up in our judicial system over the years. Some of them are just outdated but have lingered on because no one has bothered to try and get them changed. Others are just plain strange. When it comes to laws involving animals, the states have some pretty strange ones. Check out some of the crazy ones involving domestic animals – have you broken any of them? (I bet most people leaving in Montgomery, Alabama have broken the umbrella one!)
Alabama
It’s an offence in Montgomery to open an umbrella on the street, in case you startle a horse. (alabamapioneers.com) Some sites say this has been repealed.
Image source: @GeertOrye via Flickr
Arizona
Donkeys are not allowed to sleep in bathtubs. According to Naegle Law Firm, this law came into effect when a rancher’s donkey in Kingman, who slept in a bathtub, got swept away down the river when the dam broke. The town spent a lot of resources trying to rescue the donkey and where so upset, passed the law prohibiting future donkey-bathtub rescue missions.
Image source: YouTube.com
California
Animals are not allowed to mate in public within 1,500 feet of a tavern, school or place of worship. (realpolice.net) All those feral cats and wild birds better be careful about their housing choices!
In San Francisco, is it legal to pile horse manure more than six feet high. But 5’11”? Go For it. (realpolice.net)
Colorado
You cannot ride a horse will under the influence. This one actually makes sense, right? In Denver, prior to impounding, animal control must notify dogs by posting notices on a tree in the city park and along the public road adjacent to the park for three consecutive days. (realpolice.net)
Connecticut
As a dog trainer, I know I've broken this one: it is against the law to educate dogs.(realpolice.net)
Georgia
Apparently the Kingman, Arizona incident spread – Georgia also has a law against donkeys being kept in bathtubs. (realpolice.net)
Illinois
In Chicago, you cannot take your French poodle to the opera, it’s illegal. (Everything Dogs Expect You To Know, p.105)
Indiana
It is against the law to pass a horse on the street. Can you imagine the lineup of cars? Of course, this law isn’t really clear – do they mean wild horses, loose horses, people on horseback, carriages,or simply all of the above? (realpolice.net)
Image source: @Matt Brown via Flickr
Iowa
It is illegal for your horse to eat a fire hydrant, so watch your horse any time around one. ‘Cause, you know, horses love eating that kind of thing. (dumblaws.com)
Oklahoma
In a city ironically called Normal, you can receive jail time for making an ugly face at a dog. (Everything Dogs Expect You To Know, p.105)
South Carolina
The tale of the donkey in the bathtub may have spread to South Carolina as well, but it looks like the story may have gotten mixed up. In South Carolina, it’s illegal to keep a horse in a bathtub. (dumblaws.com)
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Wyoming
Bothered by a barking dog? Just call the police! A Policemen can bite the dog to make him stop barking in the city of Sheridan. (Everything Dogs Expect You To Know, p.105)
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