Strange animal laws enforced around the world

Aug12,2025

In Arizona, it’s illegal to let a donkey sleep in your bathtub. This law came into existence after a donkey in a flooded home floated miles away, causing a rescue nightmare.

No Donkey in the Bathtub – Arizona, USA

While it may seem like an old circus stunt, in Australia it’s illegal to challenge a kangaroo to a fight—protecting both humans and marsupials from injury.

Kangaroo Boxing Ban – Australia

In Alaska, it’s prohibited to take selfies with bears. Wildlife officials enacted this law to prevent dangerous encounters from social media stunts.

Bear selfies

In some UK coastal towns, dressing a penguin in fancy clothes for entertainment is banned to protect the bird’s welfare.

Penguins Can’t Wear Fancy Clothes – England

Rome prohibits keeping goldfish in a bowl, claiming it’s cruel due to the lack of oxygen and limited swimming space.

No Goldfish in a Bowl – Rome, Italy

In certain Florida cities, if you tie an elephant to a parking meter, you must pay for the meter—just like with a car.

Elephants Need a Parking Permit – Florida, USA

Feeding pigeons in Venice is illegal to prevent damage to historical monuments from excessive droppings.

No Feeding Pigeons – Venice, Italy