1. No Camels on the Highway
When you’re in Nevada, you might see an odd yet unmissable sign that indicates that no camels may be present on the highway. Well, this is because they were used extensively in the state since 1880, both for transportation, as well as for carrying heavy goods. The number of camels was so high, in fact, that they were, at one point, considered the most efficient way in which people could transport goods. When cars, bikes, and other large vehicles began to occupy highways, and they expanded, however, camels began to present a lot of problems. Many of them were getting hit on the highway, which is why the state of Nevada outlawed the use of camels and has maintained this odd, yet understandable law for a good part of the last fifty years.
2. Anti-Communist Laws
In the heyday of the Cold War, all U.S states placed hefty bans on interactions with communists. With the end of the Cold War and the fall of the Soviet Union, however, many states have relaxed those bans and have, in fact, made it easier for people to immigrate from communist countries. In Nevada, however, that isn’t the case - Even today, businesses are legally prohibited from hiring or contracting a known communist. This isn’t something that can be strictly enforced, given that there’s no official way to be a communist, but is something to consider if you’re on a job hunt and have been reading a lot of Marx lately!
3. No more pigeon feeding, please!
In Las Vegas, pigeons aren’t looked at very kindly. In fact, the state of Nevada ruled that they are potentially dangerous to not just people, but the buildings, sights, and structures of Vegas. Why? It’s simple - Their droppings. As a result, it’s considered illegal to feed pigeons in Las Vegas, as this simple act can often result in the multiplication of the pigeon population in an area. For this reason, feeding pigeons has been outlawed and violators can potentially incur a fine of up to $10,000.
4. Pawning your Dentures
In Las Vegas, which is full of pawn shops, given the amount of cash flow on the streets, it just so happens to be illegal to pawn your dentures. What does that mean? Well, it’s very simple - Dentures are artificial teeth that are often used by older people. In Vegas, however, there is an odd law that states that people aren’t allowed to sell their dentures, particularly if they are used. Citing health reasons, as well as identity-theft related security, the state of Nevada made it illegal to sell dentures in Las Vegas. This is odd-enough, considering that new dentures can easily be obtained, and also begs the question, who would want to purchase used dentures?
5. Someone shot your dog? No problem!
In Las Vegas and by extension, the state of Nevada, you legally have the right to hang someone in the instance that they shoot your dog! Although this is an extremely rare occurrence, it does make one wonder what prompted the passing of such a law! Well, the story isn’t that complex. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Nevada was considered to be a part of the wild west and so, dogs were used for hunting and security, as well as for herding and managing sheep and/or cattle. For these reasons, dogs were seen as extremely valuable, and shooting other gang’s dogs was a way of sending a message and potentially stealing their livestock. For this reason, the state passed a law that legally entitled someone whose dog had been shot to hang the person culpable! Oddly enough, it has never been revised and remains in effect till today, although the instances of dog shooting are much lower, if not non-existent.