Last updated on October 23, 2025
No. It’s technically illegal under a local ordinance—but mostly symbolic.
The Law That Raised Eyebrows
Oklahoma has its fair share of colorful laws, but few are as eyebrow-raising as the one that reportedly makes it illegal to make “ugly faces” at dogs. Yes, you read that right. In the city of Oklahoma City, an old municipal ordinance once declared that it was unlawful to “make faces at dogs,” especially if the intent was to provoke or annoy them. While it sounds like something out of a comedy sketch, the law was rooted in a genuine concern for animal welfare and public safety.
The idea behind the ordinance was simple: don’t antagonize animals. Dogs, like people, can react unpredictably when they feel threatened or mocked. A person making aggressive or exaggerated gestures toward a dog could inadvertently trigger a defensive response, leading to bites or other incidents. The law aimed to prevent such outcomes by discouraging behavior that might be seen as taunting.
A Symbol of Respect for Animals
Though rarely enforced, the ordinance became a symbol of Oklahoma’s broader commitment to treating animals with dignity. It’s part of a patchwork of local and state regulations that promote humane treatment, responsible pet ownership, and public safety. The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry oversees many of these rules, especially those related to shelters, breeders, and animal care facilities. While the “ugly face” law doesn’t appear in the state’s official statutes, it reflects the spirit of these broader protections.
In practice, no one is getting arrested for pulling a silly face at a Labrador. The law is more of a cultural curiosity than a legal threat. It’s often cited in lists of “weird laws” and used as a humorous example of how seriously some places take their pets. But behind the humor is a real message: animals deserve respect, and provoking them for entertainment isn’t just rude—it can be dangerous.
Still on the Books?
Whether the ordinance is still active depends on local updates. Many such laws are quietly repealed or revised over time, especially if they’re deemed outdated or unenforceable. But even if it’s no longer enforced, the legend lives on—and continues to spark conversations about how we interact with animals in public spaces.
So if you’re visiting Oklahoma and you see a dog, feel free to smile. Just maybe skip the exaggerated grimaces. It’s better for everyone involved.
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Sources
Title: Title 4. Animals – Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry
Link: https://ag.ok.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Title-4.-Breeder_Shelter-Law-Effective-4.21.2023.pdf
Publication Date: April 21, 2023
Title: Oklahoma Rules – Office of Administrative Rules
Link: https://rules.ok.gov/home
Publication Date: August 2024