Massachusetts has laws all about threatening pigeons, vandalizing milk trucks, and singing the national anthem.
According to the Massachusetts state government, the 1780 Massachusetts Constitution is the oldest surviving written constitution in the world. This historical document was drafted by John Adams.
A quick look at Massachusetts' laws will likely reveal some head-scratching issues, but it's not exactly the only state with strange laws.
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Below are some strange laws that exist in Massachusetts.
Some of Massachusetts' weirder laws you may not know about include laws regarding pigeons, milk cartons, and alcoholic candy. (St. Petersburg)
- Think twice before scaring pigeons
- Destruction of milk cartons could lead to fines and jail time
- Candy contains less than 1% alcohol
- Fines for singing or playing the national anthem
- Do not change the color of rabbits or chickens
- creepy real estate laws
1. Think twice before scaring pigeons
Before you sneak up on pigeons in Massachusetts, consider this strange law.
You'll probably see quite a few pigeons in Massachusetts, but it's illegal to terrorize pigeons in Massachusetts, so it's best to leave them alone.
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“Pigeon, killing or terrorizing” is defined in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 255, Section 132.
“Whoever intentionally kills pigeons, or threatens them, in any way with up to 100 rods, on a bed made for the purpose of netting pigeons, except on land that he lawfully occupies; shall be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one month or to a fine not exceeding twenty dollars and shall not be liable for actual damages to the owner or occupant of such bed. The law states, “No.”
In Massachusetts, it's best to leave pigeons alone. (Stan Grossfeld/Boston Globe via Getty Images)
2. If you destroy a milk carton, you may be subject to fines or imprisonment.
The average price of a gallon of milk in 2024 is about $4, so breaking this law could end up costing you more than you expected.
Massachusetts has a law that specifically states that if you destroy a milk carton, you will be fined $10.
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“Knowingly and intentionally erases, alters, or obscures, or arranges to erase, alter, or obscure, the name, initials, or symbols of a milk distributor marked or stamped on milk without the consent of the owner; “Whoever, with intent to defraud, without such consent, detains or uses in the business of any can stamped or engraved with the name, initials, or symbol of a milk distributor; The person is “Subject to a fine of not more than $10,” states Massachusetts Code Chapter 255, Section 128.
3. Candy contains less than 1% alcohol
In Massachusetts, state law requires that candy contain less than 1% alcohol, so don't expect boozy candy.
This is stated in Chapter 270, Section 8 of the Massachusetts General Laws.
Violating this law can result in a fine of up to $100.
Candy in Massachusetts must contain less than 1% alcohol. (Ander Girenea/AFP via Getty Images)
4. Fines for singing or playing the national anthem
Before the famous lyric “Osay can you see” leaves the mouths of people in Massachusetts, consider this law in our state.
Anyone who belts out “The Star-Spangled Banner” or plays it on an instrument in any public place, “as a whole or other than as an individual song or song,” could be fined up to $100. be.
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Massachusetts Statutes Chapter 264, Section 9 states, “The Star-Spangled Banner shall not be played, sung, or directed in any public place, theater, movie hall, restaurant, cafe, or public entertainment venue or elsewhere. “Whoever does so.'' National melodies or other melodies, or separate compositions or numbers, without embellishments or additions in the manner of playing, singing, or playing “The Star-Spangled Banner” or any portion thereof. Performing it as dance music, as a farewell march, or as part of a medley of any kind will result in a fine of up to $100. ”
5. Do not change the color of your rabbit or chicken.
Massachusetts law has several provisions regarding the sale, barter, and gifting of chicks, ducklings, rabbits, and other poultry.
This includes staining or coloring these animals.
“No person shall sell, sell, barter, display, or give away any live rabbit, chicken, duckling, or other poultry that has been dyed, colored, or otherwise treated to impart an artificial color.'' Chapter 272, Section 80D State Law Description.
Massachusetts has a law that prohibits the dyeing of baby chickens. (Kiril Kudryavtsev/AFP via Getty Images)
Additional provisions of this law include the sale, barter, or gifting of ducklings, chicks, or poultry under two months of age.
“Nothing in this section prohibits the sale or exhibition of chickens, ducklings, or other poultry under the age of two months by a breeder or store engaged in the business of selling for commercial breeding and rearing.'' provided, however, that: Prior to May 1 of any year, such ducklings may only be sold or purchased in quantities of 24 or more; “You can,” the law explains.
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“However, this provision shall not prohibit the sale or donation of such chickens, ducklings, or poultry to schools for use in classroom instruction,” state law states. .
Violating this law can result in a fine of up to $100.
6. Creepy real estate rules
Real estate laws vary from state to state.
One of the differences between states when it comes to real estate is the amount of information that is legally required to be disclosed to potential buyers. This includes spooky happenings and haunted properties.
According to Zillow's website, in Massachusetts, sellers are “not required to disclose psychologically affected properties, including suspected parapsychological or supernatural phenomena.”
