Animal Trials

In medieval Europe, animals could be put on trial and sentenced to death for crimes like attacking humans.

In 1386, a pig was dressed in human clothing before being publicly executed for killing a child.

Cats were the most commonly tried animals in medieval courts due to their association with witches.

In the 16th century, locusts were taken to court and given a deadline to leave town before harsher measures were taken.

Some animals, such as dogs, were acquitted of their crimes if they were found not guilty in court.