France, July 27 -- If you're planning a trip to Atlanta, bear in mind you won't be allowed to tie your giraffe to a lamp post.

This rule dates back to the early 20th century, when a giraffe named Elsie was tied to a telegraph pole in a small town in Georgia by workers from a travelling circus. Left to her own devices, Elsie broke free and set off up the high street.

The state subsequently decided legislation to prevent such a scenario was necessary.

Similarly, the city of San Francisco banned any processions along Market Street involving an elephant, unless the animal was kept on a lead - in order to regulate parades by the Ringling Brothers Circus, founded in 1871.

The company shut down in 2017 following decades of campaigning by Pet...