10 Bizarre Animal Laws
Around the world, governments have passed some truly bizarre, hilarious, and head-scratching animal-related laws. Here are some of the weirdest that actually exist (or once did).
1. No Naming Pigs "Napoleon" in France
France once had a law forbidding citizens from naming pigs after Napoleon Bonaparte. The rule stemmed from a desire to preserve the dignity of the French leader—and possibly to prevent pigs from becoming political symbols.
2. Don’t Let Your Chicken Cross the Road (Georgia, USA)
In the town of Quitman, Georgia, it is illegal for chickens to cross the road. While this law might sound like the setup to a classic joke, it's a genuine regulation intended to keep domestic fowl from wandering into public areas or onto others' property without permission.
3. It’s Illegal for a Donkey to Sleep in a Bathtub (Arizona, USA)
In 1924, a flood swept away a donkey that was sleeping in a bathtub on an Arizona ranch, as it regularly did. The costly rescue effort to save the animal prompted the town to pass a law making it illegal for donkeys to sleep in bathtubs to prevent it from ever happening again.
4. Bear Wrestling Is Banned (Alabama, USA)
In Alabama, bear wrestling is explicitly illegal. That includes promoting or participating in bear wrestling matches and possessing or training a bear for wrestling purposes. Violating this statute is considered a Class B felony.
5. In Switzerland, You Can’t Own Just One Guinea Pig
Swiss animal welfare laws recognize guinea pigs as social creatures that require companionship. The Animal Protection Ordinance mandates that guinea pigs must be kept in pairs or groups to prevent loneliness and ensure their well-being.
6. Elephants Need a Permit to Roam (Florida, USA)
In Florida, if you're planning to let your elephant stroll down the street (as one does), it needs a permit. This is just one of many laws from the days when traveling circuses were more common.
7. Goldfish Bowls Banned in Rome, Italy
Since 2005, Rome has prohibited the use of traditional round goldfish bowls. The law considers these bowls cruel, as they can limit oxygen and disorientation, leading to poor living conditions for the fish.
8. Dogs Must Be Under 14 Inches in Beijing, China
Beijing enforces a regulation that restricts dog ownership to one per household, and the dog must not exceed 14 inches (35cm) in height in certain districts. This law aims to manage pet populations and reduce nuisances in densely populated areas.
9. Cats Require Three Bells in Longbern, New Zealand
In Longbern, New Zealand, cats must wear three bells on their collars when outdoors. This measure helps protect local wildlife by warning birds and other small animals of the cat's approach.
10. Illegal to Wake a Sleeping Bear in Alaska, USA
In Alaska, it's illegal to wake a sleeping bear for the purpose of taking a photograph. This law is intended to protect both humans and bears by preventing dangerous encounters.