Chopping Down a Cactus Could Land You in Jail: Weird Property Laws in Oklahoma

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Chopping Down a Cactus Could Land You in Jail: Weird Property Laws in Oklahoma

Oklahoma has no specific law banning cactus chopping on private property, unlike Arizona’s strict saguaro protections that can lead to up to 25 years in prison for unauthorized cutting. Cacti are rare in Oklahoma due to its non-desert climate, so protected species fall under federal Endangered Species Act rules if applicable, mainly for poaching on public lands.

Property Laws Overview

State property laws emphasize nuisance control, like eradicating noxious weeds (e.g., thistles) on your land annually. Landowners can face liability under “attractive nuisance” doctrine for hazards like pools or trampolines that lure children, requiring precautions.

Weird Oklahoma Statutes

Quirky rules include illegal whaling (despite being landlocked), horse-tripping bans, and prohibiting three or more dogs gathering without a mayor’s permit on private property. Other oddities: no boots in bed, no spitting on sidewalks, and blasphemy as a misdemeanor. These outdated laws are rarely enforced today.

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