We’re all aware of certain laws designed to protect our pets, including the Compulsory Microchipping Law and the Dangerous Dogs Act, but there are, surprisingly, a whole host of other, more questionable laws that exist to keep our pets in line.

Today we’re taking a look of some of the more unusual laws around the world, from illegal barking after 6pm, to laws preventing you naming animals you don’t intent to keep as pets. As always, if you know of any others which we haven’t mentioned, please comment below!

The USA:

  • We don’t know whether this law also restricts training, but in Hartford, Connecticut, it is illegal to ‘educate’ your dog.
  • In Little Rock, Arkansas, dogs are banned from barking after 6pm. In theory this sounds great, but in practice, not sure how any dog would be prevented!
  • In California, try not to lose your pet birds before 7am as the law prevents you from whistling to attract them back until after this time.
  • If your best party trick involves imitating animals, be warned! In Florida it is actually illegal to do so.
  • Photographing rabbits between January and May is illegal in Wyoming.
  • If you’re planning a party for your pooch in Oklahoma, make sure you have a signed permit from the mayor. Dogs aren’t allowed to congregate in groups of three or more on private property without one! Also in Oklahoma, it is illegal to make faces at a dog - something that could potentially put you behind bars.
  • In Idaho it is illegal for a person to sleep in a dog kennel.

Australia:

  • They say that once you’ve named an animal, you have to keep it, which is just as well for those living in Oz. According to law there, you are only allowed to name an animal if you intend to keep it as a pet, not if you plan to eat it.

New Zealand:

  • Cats will always be heard coming in the rural settlement of Longburn, where roaming cats are legally required to wear three bells around their neck.

Saudi Arabia:

  • It is illegal for men to walk dogs.

Norway:

  • Forget having your female cat or dog spayed; in Norway only males of the species can be fixed.

Switzerland:

  • We all know that guinea pigs are social creatures that need a companion, and in Switzerland, this is recognised in law. It is in fact illegal to own just one guinea pig.

Italy:

  • How this is policed we don’t know, but in Turin you are legally required to walk your dog at least three times a day, or face a fine of up to 500 euros.

UK:

  • Randomly, if you live on the Lancashire Coast, it is illegal to incite a dog to bark, if asked not to by a police officer.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on these laws and find out which you’d like to see rolled out in the UK! Comment below or email me directly :) [email protected]

Written by: Hannah