Do you consider yourself a law-abiding citizen? What about your pet? From bark bans to keeping dogs out of cemeteries, there are some pretty weird pet laws in the world.
Of course, some laws are pretty obscure, originating long ago and likely no longer having much meaning today. However, others are very much active and enforced. Therefore, if you’re a pet parent, make sure you know the law wherever you go with your animal companion.
19 Interesting Laws That Have to Do With Pets from All Over the World
Some rules make a lot of sense, like scooping your dog’s poop. But others leave you scratching your head. When you take a peek at some of the strangest pet laws from around the world, you’ll likely find plenty that make you raise an eyebrow. However, admittedly, there are several that give you a warm, fuzzy feeling (here’s looking at you, Switzerland and Sweden).
Check out these 19 weird rules about dogs and cats from around the globe and see which ones make you chuckle.
Weird Pet Laws in the United States
Is your state on this list? Many of these laws are from local ordinances and not statewide. Some of these make you wonder what happened to make somebody think, “We need a law about this!”
ALASKA
In Juneau, Alaska, dogs aren’t allowed in cemeteries, so you’ll need to leave Fido at home when you visit your dearly departed. Cats, on the other hand, seem to have the all-clear.
ARKANSAS
Apparently, in Little Rock, Arkansas, dogs can’t bark after 6 pm. Of course, this is more of a noise ordinance type rule about excessive barking, but it’s pretty vague. No barking after 6 o’clock? So, what’s an outside pup to do when there’s an evening squirrel sighting? Furthermore, when do they get to start barking again?
DELAWARE
In certain places, like Dover, free-roaming cats must wear bells on their collars. This precaution is to help protect birds and wildlife by alerting them to the cat’s presence so they have time to flee to safety.
CONNECTICUT
It’s illegal to teach your dog in Hartford, Connecticut. This is one of those leftover laws from way back when, as far as the 1800s. Allegedly, lawmakers back then feared our canine counterparts would become too intelligent and overthrow the human race.
ILLINOIS
According to the Illinois Animal Control Act, it’s illegal to give a lit cigar to a dog or cat. It’s also unlawful to stick your tongue out at a dog.
These actually make sense. Why would you want to give your pet anything that could potentially be a fire hazard? Plus, making faces at your pooch isn’t nice. Also, if you do it to a dog you don’t know, you could unwittingly trigger an aggressive dog to act.
INDIANA
In 1942, the town of French Lick Springs enacted a law requiring all black cats to wear bells on Friday the 13th. Somebody’s superstitious. Do you think they banned ladders and mirrors, too?
MINNESOTA
In International Falls, Minnesota, it’s a no-no for you to prevent your cat from “emitting a loud or unusual noise.” Exactly what the unusual noise entails is up to the imagination, but if your feline friend likes to vocalize, this might not be the place for you. It’s also frowned upon to let your cat chase dogs up telephone poles, so no shenanigans for Fifi!
OHIO
In Lorain, Ohio, it’s against the law for anyone to bring their cat “off their premises" without a leash. So, if you plan to bring your feline friend to Lorain, you might want to start working on leash training your cat.
Strange Laws About Pets in Other Countries
The USA isn’t the only country with weird pet laws. Here are a few more head-scratchers from other parts of the globe.
AUSTRALIA
Here’s a law that’s sure to make dogs drool with happiness. In the Australian Capital Territory, dog parents can be fined up to $2,700 for failing to walk their pups at least once a day. Additionally, anyone who confines dogs for 24 hours has to let them move freely for the next two hours, otherwise, they face prosecution.
CHINA
Many cities in China enforce a one-dog rule in households, which is sad news if Fido wants a friend. Some areas take it a step further than simply not allowing multi-dog households and prohibit any dogs that are taller than 14 inches.
It’s fairly common for there to be limits on how many pets can live in a home. However, only one dog? This one is “ruff!”
GERMANY
Germany has a dog-walking law that claims pups should get an hour of exercise twice a day. Some pet parents were worried about their pooches, saying Fido was tired out after about 10 minutes. But Germany’s Federal Ministry clarified that this rule was aimed more toward breeders and not “everyday pet owners.”
IRAN
In Tehran, authorities have sometimes restricted walking dogs in public places, although it’s not necessarily written into national law. The reasoning for the rule has roots in both religious and cultural factors, but unfortunately, the dogs don’t understand -- they just want their walkies!
ITALY
Dogs who love to go on walks should head to Turin, Italy, where a municipal regulation states dog owners must walk their pups three times a day. If you skip a walk, you could face a hefty fine, but one has to wonder, who’s tracking all of these dog walks?
JAPAN
Japan is actually a popular spot for cat cafes, but a law prohibiting the public display of cats after 8 pm is making them close up shop early. Well, at least the cats won’t be able to hang out after 8 o’clock; cafe owners will need to put the cats in the back.
NORWAY
Norway’s Animal Welfare Act explains that neutering pets is only allowed if it’s in the pet’s best interest for medical reasons. So, Bob Barker’s old sign-off to spay and neuter your pets wouldn’t go over too well there.
SAUDI ARABIA
Once upon a time, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, there was a law enforced by the Islamic religious police that prohibited men from walking dogs in public. The reasoning was that men could use the pups to spark a little puppy love with women. But it’s a different story today, and Saudi Arabia opened its first pet cafe in 2020, called The Barking Lot.
SWEDEN
Do you bring your fur baby to doggy daycare? Yes? Well, if you were in Sweden, your fluffy Fido would have the right to a sunny window. Isn’t that nice?
SWITZERLAND
Here’s a law that pet lovers can really get behind. In Switzerland, social animals should have companionship. The Swiss Animal Welfare Act stresses that dogs deserve daily contact with other dogs and people.
UNITED KINGDOM
Apparently, the United Kingdom recognizes that cats are free spirits at heart and are destined to roam. Therefore, owners aren’t responsible for anything their cats do while exploring outdoors.
Would Your Pet Follow These Weird Pet Laws?
How would your pet handle these strange pet laws? Would they listen, or would they become furry little outlaws? For more fun pet-related tidbits and helpful ways to care for your furry friends, check out the rest of the Neater Pets blog.