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Useless Factsweird laws

It is illegal to be drunk while in charge of a cow in Scotland

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The Licensing Act (Scotland) of 1872 makes it an offence to be drunk while in charge of a cow, horse, carriage, or steam engine — or while carrying a loaded firearm. The law was passed during an era when drunken drovers were genuinely causing accidents on public roads. It carries a maximum fine of £200 and applies to any road or public place. The cow clause was practically applied as recently as 2013, when a man in Scotland was cautioned. In 1872, this was urgent legislation. Today it is remarkable that it is still on the books.

Why this is surprising

A Victorian law against drunk cow-herding is still fully enforceable in Scotland today and has been used within living memory.

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It's illegal to be drunk in charge of a cow in Scotland — under an 1872 law that was still enforced as recently as 2013.