The Five WEIRDEST State Laws Still Being Enforced
By RJ Johnson - @rickerthewriter
September 6, 2018
Modern civilization was built on the rule of law and the consequences for people who don't follow them. Of course, while laws are there to help keep us safe, they're written by people - which means, they don't always make sense out of context.
For example, Missouri recently passed a law regulating what companies could label as meat in response to the growing popularity of meat-alternatives like the Beyond Burger, or other plant-based proteins used to create "meats."
KFI's Mary-Kate Gaffney decided to take a look at some of the odder laws that are on the books in states across the country in her latest video.
1) No Garbage For Pigs in Arizona
Did you know it's illegal to feed garbage to pigs in Arizona? It's true. A 2013 Arizona law requires residents to obtain a permit if they want to use garbage in feed used for their swine.
A. No person shall feed garbage to swine without first obtaining a permit from the associate director. All permits shall be renewed during January of each year.
B. This article shall not apply to any person who feeds only his own household garbage to swine which are raised for his own use.
2) No Frog Eating in California
Kermit is probably breathing a sigh of relief after hearing that this law is still on the books in California. Fish and Game regulations in the Golden State allow residents to possess as many frogs as they like for "frog-jumping contests." But, if any of those frogs die, or are killed during the competition, the remains must be "destroyed as soon as possible." Unfortunately, that means the garlic butter reduction you've prepared for frog legs will have to wait.
Any person may possess any number of live frogs to use in frog-jumping contests, but if such a frog dies or is killed, it must be destroyed as soon as possible, and may not be eaten or otherwise used for any purpose.
3) No Firearm Fishing in Indiana
People have always loved to fish, but some prefer to bring a little extra bang to the lake or river while trying to catch their limit. Fortunately for the fish (and other fishermen out trying to have a peaceful afternoon), using a gun or dynamite to fish is not allowed in Indiana.
It is illegal to use the following devices to take fish from public waters: a weir, electric current, dynamite or other explosive, a firearm, hands alone, or any substance that may weaken or poison fish.
4) No Mixing Liquor & Beer in Nebraska
Experienced drinkers know the old saying of "Beer before Liquor, never been sicker," but Nebraska takes it one step further. A law on the books since prohibition prevents residents from order drinks like Boilermakers, Irish Car Bombs or any other cocktail that mixes liquor with beer.
Lawmakers have attempted to pass a repeal of the arcane law in the past with little success. The law was originally written with the intent of discouraging "needle beer" or "spiked beer" that contain higher alcohol percentages than their lower ABV cousins.
Nebraska is the only state that makes it illegal to sell a drink containing beer and a distilled spirit. Thus, it’s illegal to sell a boilermaker. On the other hand, it’s perfectly legal to sell a Long Island Tea. That drink contains five different spirits.
5) Must Have "Bad Dog" Sign in Florida
Do you have a "bad dog?" If you do and you live in Florida, you'll want to make sure he's labeled as such. That way, if your dog bites someone there, you won't be held liable for their injuries.
Dog owner’s liability for damages to persons bitten.—The owner of any dog that bites any person while such person is on or in a public place, or lawfully on or in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, is liable for damages suffered by persons bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owners’ knowledge of such viciousness.
Photos by Unsplash