If a few of our state laws feel like they were written for another time, that’s because many of them were. While many aren’t enforced, they’re still code on the municipal level because the repeal process is time consuming and expensive. Reporter Harrison Cann at City & State PA joined City Cast Pittsburgh to break down some of the weirdest rules still on the books.
Tying Your Horse to a Pole
On our side of the state, it’s illegal to tie a horse to a parking meter or streetlight pole in Tarentum. Weirdly, it’s not illegal to tie a dog.
Fortune Telling for Profit
Reading cards and crystal balls, casting spells, and making potions — it’s all illegal to do for personal gain in Pennsylvania.
Hunting Game That’s Swimming
Whether it’s big or small, you can’t hunt and kill animals who are treading water. You’re not allowed to send your dog after one either.
Hooking Fish for Bait
Fishers can’t use goldfish, comets, koi, or common carp as bait. It’s also illegal to fish with your bare hands.
A Hike to the Bathroom
No accidents allowed in Pennsylvania homes — your bedroom can’t be more than 200 feet from your bathtub, shower, or toilet.
Fun on Sundays
Sure, we have separation of church and state, but old laws were often made with Christian religions in mind. State blue laws or “Sunday Laws” stopped activities on the holy day. Laws prohibiting sports, musical, and theater performances before 1 p.m. on Sundays didn’t hold up. Can you imagine? In Pittsburgh?
