7 Weird Laws in Kentucky That Are Surprisingly Still on the Books
By Qutubuddin · Published Jan 2024
Kentucky's legal code reflects its history as a border state with deep Baptist roots, a bourbon economy, and frontier-era statutes that were never cleaned up. Below are seven laws I was able to verify with real statute numbers.
It is illegal to dye a duckling, chick, or rabbit and sell it as a novelty
Kentucky law prohibits dyeing or artificially coloring baby animals and selling them as novelties or pets.
Statute
Kentucky Revised Statutes § 436.600
Enforcement status
Actively enforced — animal welfare provision
Why this law exists
Passed as an animal welfare measure after the practice of dyeing chicks and ducklings for Easter became popular. The dye was often toxic and the animals typically died within days. Similar laws exist in Ohio and several other states.
Shooting a gun on New Year's Eve or Day is prohibited in Louisville
Louisville Metro Code prohibits discharging firearms within city limits on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
Statute
Louisville Metro Code of Ordinances § 134.999
Enforcement status
Actively enforced — public safety ordinance
Why this law exists
Celebratory gunfire is a documented public safety hazard. Bullets fired into the air come down at lethal velocity. Louisville passed this ordinance after multiple injuries from falling bullets during New Year's celebrations.
Carrying a concealed weapon more than six feet long is prohibited
Kentucky law prohibits carrying a concealed deadly weapon with a blade or barrel exceeding six feet in length.
Statute
Kentucky Revised Statutes § 527.020
Enforcement status
Technically enforceable; practically irrelevant
Why this law exists
The six-foot threshold appears in older concealed carry statutes and was likely intended to address unusual weapons like pikes or lances. The law predates modern firearms regulation and was never updated to remove the specific length provision.
Remarrying the same person four or more times is prohibited
Kentucky law prohibits a person from marrying the same individual for a fourth time.
Statute
Kentucky Revised Statutes § 402.990
Enforcement status
Technically still in force; rarely if ever prosecuted
Why this law exists
This provision was added to prevent what legislators viewed as abuse of the marriage and divorce system. It reflects early 20th century attitudes toward serial marriage and divorce. The law has never been formally repealed.
Selling alcohol within 200 feet of a church or school requires a waiver
Kentucky law restricts the sale of alcohol within 200 feet of a church or school building, with exceptions available through local government waiver.
Statute
Kentucky Revised Statutes § 243.450
Enforcement status
Actively enforced — alcohol licensing provision
Why this law exists
Kentucky has a complex relationship with alcohol regulation rooted in its history as a heavily Baptist state. Many Kentucky counties remained dry well into the 21st century. The proximity restriction reflects longstanding religious influence on state liquor law.
Bingo games cannot run for more than five hours
Kentucky law limits charitable bingo sessions to five hours in duration.
Statute
Kentucky Revised Statutes § 238.535
Enforcement status
Actively enforced — charitable gaming regulation
Why this law exists
Kentucky regulates charitable gaming including bingo under its charitable gaming statutes. The five-hour limit was established to prevent charitable bingo from functioning as a de facto casino operation. The Kentucky Department of Charitable Gaming enforces these rules.
Owning a slave is still technically referenced in the state constitution — though unenforceable
Kentucky's state constitution still contains language from before the 13th Amendment that was never formally removed, though it is entirely unenforceable under federal law.
Statute
Kentucky Constitution, Section 25 (historical reference only)
Enforcement status
Completely unenforceable — superseded by the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution
Why this law exists
Kentucky was one of the last states to ratify the 13th Amendment (it did so in 1976, over 100 years after the Civil War). The state constitution retains historical language that was never formally struck. This is a legal artifact, not an active law.
Legal disclaimer
These laws were verified using Kentucky official legislative records and municipal codes. Last reviewed: April 2026. Laws change — always verify with a licensed attorney before acting on legal information. This page is for informational and entertainment purposes only.
More state law guides
Texas
Cattle rustling and tiger ownership
Ohio
Fish intoxication and whale hunting bans
Arizona
Cactus theft is a Class 4 felony
Michigan
Seduction law and Sunday restrictions
Missouri
Bear wrestling regulations
New York
Puppet show and street performance laws
North Carolina
Bingo and singing regulations
Pennsylvania
Fortune telling and car sleeping laws
✍️About the Author
Qutubuddin is the founder of Weird 'n' Silly, where he personally tests and reviews the internet's funniest products. Got a weird product in mind? Reach out here.
💖 A proud father of 3 lovely daughters and a cute son! 👨👧👧👧👦