National Network for Equitable Library Service

Since becoming a province in 1905, the Alberta government enacted many laws to match the wild spirit of the frontier. Later, the unique character of the people spawned many more. Read about some of the quirky laws Alberta has hidden in its books: * In 1914, municipal leaders in the town of Ponoka banned the building of mud huts with straw roofs because they were considered a fire hazard * In 1938, any cat in Fort Saskatchewan caught not wearing a bell was considered to be ''an enemy to the Song Birds,'' and its owner could face a fine of $10 or a week in the hoosegow * Legend has it that at one time, criminals who served their time in an Albertan prison were sent on their way with a loaded gun and a horse * The curfew instituted by the city of Red Deer puts the responsibility squarely on the parents; if a peace officer escorts your child home after hours, you can expect at least a $50 fine, or $100 for a second offence * As recently as 1968, it was illegal for residents in the town of Falher to attend horse races, horse race meetings, dog races, boxing contests or wrestling matches on Sundays * And more bizarre and just plain strange laws in Alberta…