Following Edge

It's illegal, in the city of Eugene, to display a dyed (or otherwise artificially colored) chick in a public place. I love the law, especially these strange parts. How did that law make it onto the books? I can't imagine that dying chicks could ever be that much of a civic problem. In fact, it must have been some problem since this law [City of Eugene Code 4.485(1)], extends to ducklings, goslings, and rabbits and sale or display in stores.

I may have to try to break that law, as difficult (and unnoticed) as that may be.

How did I come across that? We noticed a local "will work for food" sign holder, who normally has his dog with him, was without his dog. I wondered if we should get an alpaca for him. As much money as his dog was probably bringing in for him, I have to believe that an alpaca would bring in much more, if just due to the novelty. Of course, we were wondering if this would be legal. Anne Marie decided that, if that was an important question, it would be even more important to know if she could take one of our goats for a walk in Eugene.

Getting the answer required a pretty thorough analysis of the Eugene and Oregon laws. This brought me to the "dyed chick" law. The answer to the alpaca/goat question? A goat or alpaca are specifically restricted from most private property and from city parks and open spaces. On roadways (pretty much the only remaining space), they are allowed under the same rules as motor vehicles (meaning they can't be on the sidewalk). So, as long as she sticks to the streets, Anne Marie should be able to take Portia or Malvolio for a walk in Eugene.