A Town Where Dogs Rule

There's a town in Kentucky that has been run by dogs for over 25 years, and it's working well for them so far. The unincorporated town of Rabbit Hash has a tradition that makes their local politics truly unique.

How to Become Mayor

The qualifications for a mayoral candidate in Rabbit Hash are simple. Humans must be able to walk to the town center from their house in under an hour. Animals need to chase a rabbit there in under an hour. Ducks and geese are not allowed to run for office.

Humans rarely bother to campaign since animals are the clear favorites among voters. While a town council helps with decision-making, the Mayor always has the final bark on important matters.

A Fundraising Tradition

The mayoral race happens every 4 years and serves as a fundraiser for the Rabbit Hash Historical Society. Each vote costs $1, with all money going directly to the upkeep of this historic place.

This fun tradition started in 1998 as a creative way to raise funds for building restoration projects. Since then, it has helped preserve the town's character and historic structures.

The Canine Leadership Legacy

Rabbit Hash's first mayor was a dog named Goofy. He was followed by Junior the Black Lab who took over mayoral duties.

Lucy Lou came next and served two terms in office. Her second campaign was especially important because it funded the reconstruction of the town's General Store after it was destroyed by a fire.

After Lucy Lou, Brynneth Paltrow (yes, that's the dog's actual name) took office. The current mayor is Wilbur, who won the 2020 election against several dogs, a cat, a donkey, and even a rooster.

The 2024 Election

This year's vote is already underway, with a dog named Pablo taking an early lead in the polls. But the race is far from over. Things may change in the coming months as candidates begin to hold campaign events around town.

The final votes will be counted on November 5th, and the winner's inauguration ceremony will take place shortly after that. The small town looks forward to seeing which furry (or feathered) friend will lead them for the next four years.

Rabbit Hash proves that sometimes the most unusual traditions can bring a community together while serving a practical purpose. The town has found a unique way to maintain their historic buildings while having fun and creating a truly one-of-a-kind local government.