In most countries, a pet is more than just a pet: it is part of the family. Therefore, it is natural to find common pet laws on animal welfare throughout the world. One might think that the responsibilities are simple, but the laws are designed to protect our pets. However, apart from the usual laws, some countries have some pretty amazing and strange pet laws. From prohibiting dogs from barking after 6:00 p.m., to prohibiting mating with pets of the royal household.
Click through the gallery to discover some strange pet laws.
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Italia
Dog owners in Turin are legally required to walk their pets at least three times a day. If they don’t, they can be fined €500.
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EE.UU.
If you’re unlucky enough to lose your bird in Berkley, California, the law says you can’t whistle it back before 7 am. Let’s hope it doesn’t go too far by then!
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France
Pig owners in France are forbidden to call him Napoleon, out of respect for Napoleon Bonaparte. Experts say the strange law exists because naming a pig after the emperor would be an insult to a head of state.
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United Kingdom
In the UK, it is illegal for your pet to mate with a royal household pet. So don’t even think about sneaking your dog into Buckingham Palace.
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Japan
In Japan, officials have created a curfew for the public display of cats, making it illegal for cats to be outside after 8 p.m.
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EE.UU.
In Oklahoma, dogs may not congregate in groups of three or more on private property unless they have a signed permit from the mayor.
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EE.UU.
Also in Oklahoma, it is against the law to make faces at dogs. Technically, they could fine you or even arrest you.
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Australia
Once you’ve named an animal, you have to keep it. Under Australian law, naming an animal is only allowed if you intend to keep it as a pet, not if you plan to eat it.
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Swiss
In Switzerland, you have to pass written and oral exams before you can own a dog.
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EE.UU.
In Wyoming, between January and April, it is illegal to photograph rodents, unless you have an official permit. So get your camera ready for May!
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Hungary
In 2001, a law was passed in the Hungarian city of Lorinci stating that cats can only be taken outdoors and on the street on a leash.
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EE.UU.
If you’ve been stuck outside in Wallace, Idaho, forget about seeking shelter in a kennel. It is illegal for humans to sleep in one.
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Italia
Pets, in Reggio Emilia, will not go hungry, since the law says that if a pet shares food, it must be given in equal portions. Otherwise, the owner could be fined.
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EE.UU.
Dogs, in Little Rock, Arkansas, are prohibited from barking after 6:00 p.m. Make sure your four-legged friend stops barking by 5:59 p.m.
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New Zealand
In the rural settlement of Longburn, cats are forbidden to leave the house unless they have three bells on their collar.
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Swiss
Guinea pigs are known to be social creatures that need a companion, and in Switzerland this is recognized by law. It is illegal to keep a single guinea pig.
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Italia
In 2005, goldfish tanks were banned in Rome after keeping goldfish as pets was declared cruel. Forget having fish as pets in the Italian capital!
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EE.UU.
In Alaska, it is illegal to tie a dog to the roof of your car. This seems like a pretty logical law, and let’s hope no one will consider doing this.
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Germany
In Germany, dog owners must pay a dog tax. The purpose of the dog tax is to curb dog ownership. Therefore, the cost of a second or third dog will be higher than the first. Owning a dog is seen as a luxury, consequently it is more expensive in larger cities because the psychological barrier to buying a dog is supposed to be high.
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United Kingdom
It is illegal for a taxi in the City of London to transport rabid dogs. Come to think of it, it’s a pretty sensible law, even if it’s not very well known.
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EE.UU.
In Reed City, Michigan, animal lovers must choose between having cats or birds, since they are not allowed to have both. It’s a tough choice!
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China
In 2006, Beijing officials implemented a one-dog-per-household policy. In addition, they stipulated that the dogs had to be less than 35 cm tall.
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Norway
Only male cats and dogs can be neutered in Norway. On the other hand, the female species are saved by law.
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EE.UU.
In the North Carolina town of Barber, cats and dogs are not allowed to fight. This law was applied because it is illegal to own a cat and a dog at the same time.
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Sweden
In Sweden, dogs attending dog daycare must, by law, be able to see through an outside window.
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EE.UU.
Forget barking for fun or making a fish face in Miami. There it is illegal to imitate animals, as they should not be teased.
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United Kingdom
If you live on the Lancashire coast in England, unless asked to do so by a police officer, it is illegal to incite a dog to bark.
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EE.UU.
In Georgia, it is not allowed to give goldfish as prizes to bingo players. Imagine all the horrible accidents that were prevented by not having them in those plastic bags.
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Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, the law prohibits men from walking dogs. In fact, only guard, hunting and service dogs are allowed to be walked.
