Two sections have been removed from a previous version of this story. One section stated that it is illegal to fish for whales on Sundays, and the other section stated that it is illegal for more than five women to live together in a house. Two additional sections about the legal protection of carrier pigeons and arrests on the Fourth of July have been recently revised.
Ohio will celebrate its 221st birthday on March 1, 2024. Yes, that’s correct! The state of Ohio was officially made a state on March 1, 1803. This happened 27 years after the United States declared independence from Britain and 16 years after Delaware became the first state in the U.S.
And what could be a more fun way to celebrate a birthday than by discovering some strange laws from the state’s past? It’s illegal to toast to the Buckeye State if Santa sold you the booze. We examined the history of Ohio and found some confusing laws.
Most Weird Ohio Laws
Here are eight strange laws in Ohio that you may have heard of. Some of them are from a long time ago, while others are more recent, as recent as 2024.
If your dangerous animal escapes, you have to report it to the authorities within one hour
This law was made in the 21st century. In Ohio, there is a law from 2006 that says if you own an animal that is not normally found in the state and it escapes from your control and could hurt people or property, you have to report it to the authorities within one hour. Yes, if your slow-moving sloth escapes, you still need to call for help.
Carrier pigeons are granted legal protection
According to the law, it is against the rules to shoot, kill, or harm an Antwerp or homing pigeon, unless you are the owner of the bird. If there is a stamp or band identifying the owner, you are also not allowed to catch or detain them.
Bakeries can’t sell loaves of bread that weigh less than 12 ounces
Ohio has a lot of rules about bread that started in 1989. In simple terms, bakeries are not allowed to sell bread loaves that weigh less than 12 ounces. Additionally, the bread must be sold in increments of two ounces. The loaves should also have labels indicating their weight and business information.
Also read: Alabama Becomes Second Worst State for Animal Protection Laws
Women are prohibited from wearing patent leather shoes in public
According to a strange law in Cleveland, women are not allowed to wear shiny patent leather shoes in public. This rule is meant to prevent men from seeing up a woman’s skirt by looking at the reflection in her shoes.
Dyeing rabbits or baby chicks is prohibited
Rabbits in Ohio are now legally protected. According to a law that started in 2023, it is not allowed to dye or color rabbits, baby chicks, or ducklings. You cannot sell, raffle, or give them away.
Some arrests can’t happen on Sunday or the Fourth of July
According to an Ohio law, if someone owes a debt and there is a civil case in the common pleas court, they cannot be arrested while the Senate or House of Representatives are in session, or in any court of justice during its session. They also cannot be arrested on Sundays or on the fourth of July.
It is illegal to leave chewing gum in public places in Cleveland
In Singapore, there was a law that got a lot of attention around the world. It banned chewing gum and people talked about it a lot. Now, Cleveland has a similar law that says people can’t leave chewing gum in public places.
You cannot eat a doughnut while walking backwards on a city street
This piece of legislation is said to have originated from Marion, Ohio. Whether it’s real or not, it’s best to be cautious and remember to eat your doughnuts while walking forward, not backward.
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