Last updated on November 23, 2025
No, it is not allowed—at least historically. While not part of Arizona’s current statewide statutes, the prohibition against donkeys sleeping in bathtubs originated from a local ordinance and remains a quirky piece of legal folklore.
The Law That Rode In on a Flood
In the 1920s, in the town of Kingman, Arizona, a rancher owned a donkey with an unusual preference for napping in an abandoned bathtub. This odd habit might have remained a harmless curiosity if not for a dramatic twist: a dam broke nearby, sending floodwaters rushing through the area. The bathtub—donkey and all—was swept away downstream.
The rescue operation that followed was anything but simple. Emergency responders had to navigate the muddy terrain to save the animal, using significant time and resources. The incident caused enough local disruption that lawmakers decided to act. The result was a local ordinance banning donkeys from sleeping in bathtubs, aimed at preventing similar emergencies in the future.
From Local Law to Legal Legend
Today, this law is often cited in lists of America’s strangest statutes. But is it still on the books? A review of the Arizona Revised Statutes reveals no current statewide law that prohibits donkeys from sleeping in bathtubs. The Arizona Legislature’s official legal database confirms that no such statute exists, suggesting the law was likely passed at the municipal level and has since faded into obscurity.
Despite its absence from modern law, the story lives on as a piece of Arizona’s legal folklore. It’s a reminder of how specific, even bizarre, events can shape local legislation—sometimes with lasting cultural impact.
Equine Protection Still Matters
While the bathtub ban may no longer be enforceable, Arizona does maintain active laws to protect equines, including donkeys. For example, ARS §13-2910.09 makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor to intentionally trip an equine for sport or entertainment. The law defines “equine” to include horses, ponies, mules, donkeys, and hinnies. This reflects a broader commitment to animal welfare, even if it doesn’t extend to their choice of sleeping arrangements.
So, while your donkey might not be breaking any state laws by curling up in a tub today, the tale of the Kingman flood remains a charming example of how one sleepy animal left a lasting impression on Arizona’s legal landscape.
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Sources
Arizona Legislature
https://www.azleg.gov/
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Arizona State Library Legal Resources
https://azlibrary.gov/starl/legal-resources
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