The Most Bizarre Pet Laws in America – You Won’t Believe #7!

Ever come across a law so strange that you can’t help but wonder what led to its creation? Well, when it comes to pets, there are some seriously bizarre laws across the U.S. From banning goldfish bowls to outlawing barking at certain hours, these regulations range from oddly specific to downright hilarious. Let’s take a deep dive into the weirdest pet laws that actually exist today.

1. No Goldfish in Bowls (Monza, Italy – But Still!)

This one’s actually from Italy, but it’s too good to ignore. The town of Monza banned keeping goldfish in round bowls, claiming it was cruel to the fish. While the reasoning makes sense (round bowls distort their vision and limit oxygen circulation), it’s still strange to think about. If this rule were in the U.S., we’d have a serious pet store crisis on our hands.

2. No Barking After 6 PM (Little Rock, Arkansas)

If you live in Little Rock, Arkansas, and your dog is a talker, you better keep some treats handy—because if your dog barks too much after 6 PM, you could be fined! While most cities have general noise ordinances, this law specifically targets dogs. How exactly does one measure “too much” barking? Does someone have to prove it was your dog? So many questions, so few answers.

3. Crocodiles in Bathtubs Are a No-Go (Arkansas Again!)

Apparently, Arkansas has a real problem with pets, because here’s another gem: it’s illegal to keep a crocodile in your bathtub. Now, we have to ask—was this really happening so often that they had to pass a law? Who was letting crocs soak in tubs like they were rubber duckies?

4. Cats Can’t Chase Dogs (International Falls, Minnesota)

This one seems downright impossible to enforce. In International Falls, it is illegal for a cat to chase a dog. I can just picture a police officer pulling a cat aside, saying, “Listen, buddy, we talked about this. Let the dog go.” But what happens if the dog starts the chase first? Is there a trial? Do we need pet lawyers for this?

5. No Whistling for a Lost Parrot (Colorado)

Losing a pet is stressful, but if you live in Boulder, Colorado, you might need to think twice before whistling to find your lost parrot. Local laws restrict excessive public noise, and whistling for a pet apparently falls under this category. So if you ever lose a talking parrot, maybe just send out a missing bird flyer instead.

6. No Donkeys Sleeping in Bathtubs (Arizona)

Arizona takes the cake for one of the most oddly specific laws. It is illegal to let a donkey sleep in a bathtub. Why? Well, back in the 1920s, a flood carried a bathtub—with a sleeping donkey inside—miles away, causing chaos in town. Instead of just handling that one situation, lawmakers decided to outlaw the entire scenario. Classic overcorrection.

7. You Need a Permit for Your Pet Pig (Swine Regulations, North Carolina)

Thinking of getting a pet pig? If you live in North Carolina, you’ll need a permit first. Pigs, even as pets, are considered livestock, so you need special permission to own one. This law makes sense for farm zoning purposes, but for those wanting a cute little teacup pig in the city, it’s a bureaucratic nightmare.

8. It’s Illegal to Sell Dog Hair (Delaware)

Planning to start a business selling dog fur? Well, in Delaware, that’s illegal. You cannot sell or barter dog hair under state law. While it’s likely meant to prevent commercial dog exploitation, it does make you wonder—was there a black market for dog hair at some point?

9. Don’t Give Your Pet a Lit Cigar (Illinois)

Yes, you read that right. In Illinois, it’s illegal to give your pet a lit cigar. This law is more of an animal cruelty protection measure, but let’s be honest—was this really such a widespread problem that they had to write it down?

10. Ferrets Can’t Be Used for Hunting (West Virginia)

West Virginia law strictly prohibits using ferrets for hunting. Now, ferrets are sneaky little creatures, but who was actually taking them on hunting trips? Can you imagine someone proudly bringing a ferret into the woods, expecting it to retrieve a duck?

Why Do These Laws Exist?

Most of these weird pet laws were created decades ago, when times were different and people had unusual concerns. Many of them, like the donkey-in-a-bathtub rule, were written in response to one odd incident but somehow became permanent legislation. Others, like banning barking after 6 PM, probably started with good intentions but ended up sounding ridiculous in modern times.

But one thing’s for sure—next time you’re tempted to let your donkey nap in the tub or encourage your cat to chase the neighbor’s dog, just remember… the law might have something to say about it!