Triffle

The city of Philadelphia, faced with a looming budget shortfall, last year announced a new tax targeted at pet owners. The owners will be charged a base fee of $10 per pet, and then $1 extra for every additional pound the pet weighs over ten pounds. Failure to pay the tax could result in the euthanization of the pet.

Perpetrated by WIOQ, A Philadelphia radio station, in 2002. But actually this is an old prank. For instance, it was also perpetrated by WZPL, an Indianapolis radio station, in 1993.