Sometimes, one person ruins something for everyone else. Like in elementary school when a kid couldn’t stop talking so everyone had to stay in for recess. But other times, someone messes up so badly that legal action is taken for something relatively silly, leading to silly laws that are either forgotten or ridiculed.

Our home state of Illinois has some odd city laws. In Galesburg, it’s illegal to keep a smelly dog. So unless you plan on facing a fine, or maybe even jail time, I’d suggest booking an appointment at the pet groomer.

Staying on the topic of dogs, they have several laws surrounding them. It’s illegal to give any kind of domestic pet a cigar. While many might speculate what could have possibly happened for this to become a law, it’s safe to say that it’s a good one to have around for the safety of animals in Illinois.

In honor of all those who have ever heard shocking, sometimes inappropriate conversations in a crowded room, it’s a crime to eavesdrop in Illinois. Moreover, intercepting or recording a conversation without all the parties’ knowledge is illegal. So while I enjoy listening to scandalous conversations in the commons or the hallways, I’ll try to steer away from it.

Watch out, because your outfit could cause you trouble with the law. In Chicago, fishing in your pajamas is illegal. So while pajamas are alright for your midnight target run, don’t let the bass catch you not looking your best.

It’s illegal to go “fancy riding” on your bike in Illinois. The only problem: fancy riding isn’t defined in the law. This has been interpreted as only riding a bike using one hand, but Illinoisans better stay away from tricks and cool jumps in front of cops.

So while these laws aren’t a bucket list by any means, it’s entertaining to think of the absurd actions that forced lawmakers to create them. Don’t find trouble with the law because you didn’t know a law existed.