The strangest animal laws
from around the world
A whole host of weird and wonderful pet laws exist around the world to keep us and our furry/feathered/scaly friends in check.
They might be trying to prevent some pretty unrealistic scenarios but whether you plan on calling a pig Napoleon in France, or taking your French poodle to the opera in Chicago, you might want to take a look at the laws below first.
Australia & Asia
Australia
It’s illegal to drive with a dog or goat attached to a vehicle in a public place. Australians are also banned from naming an animal they plan on eating.
China
In Beijing, only 1 dog per household is allowed and it must be under 14 inches tall.
Japan
The public display of cats after 8pm is banned.
New Zealand
Longbern cats must have three bells around their necks before leaving the house.
Saudi Arabia
Men must not walk dogs.
Europe
France
Pig owners are banned from calling their pigs Napoleon.
Hungary
Cats in Lorinc can only be taken on the street if they are on a lead.
Italy
Dog owners in Turin must walk their pets at least 3 times a day.
Norway
Only male cats and dogs may be neutered.
Sweden
Any dog attending a day-care centre must be able to see out of a sunny window.
Switzerland
All pets must have a companion and people must pass written and verbal tests before they are allowed to own a dog.
United Kingdom
It is against the law to let your pet mate with a pet from the royal house. It’s also illegal for a cab in the City of London to carry rabid dogs. Finally for the UK, a police officer on the Lancashire coast can order a person not to incite a dog to bark.
US & Canada
Alaska
It’s illegal to tie a dog to the roof of your car and animals must not enter beauty salons for the purpose of hairdressing.
Arkansas
Dogs in Little Rock are banned from barking after 6pm.
California
You can’t whistle to attract your lost bird in Berkley before 7am.
Connecticut
It’s illegal to educate a dog in Hartford.
Delaware
It is illegal to sell a dog’s or cat’s excess hair.
Idaho
It’s illegal for a person to sleep in a dog kennel.
Illinois
Give a dog whiskey or a lighted cigar and you’re breaking the law. Don’t try to take your French Poodle to the opera either – that’s illegal too.
Indiana
Black cats in French Lick Springs must wear bells on Friday 13th.
Kentucky
Dogs may not molest pedestrians or passing vehicles.
Maryland
Taking your pet lion to the cinema in Baltimore is banned.
Minnesota
Cats must not chase dogs up telephone poles. Vice versa is fine though.
Ohio
Paulding County polic officers are permitted to bite a dog to calm them down. Getting a fish drunk however, is illegal.
Oklahoma
A fine or prison sentence awaits anyone who pulls ugly faces at dogs. Also, dogs aren’t allowed to congregate in groups of 3 or more on private property, without a signed permit from the mayor.
Wisconsin
Cats are not allowed in public cemeteries.
Wyoming
It’s illegal to photograph rabbits without a permit between January and April.
