46. The Dog Did It!

Believe it or not, there are legal records of animals being put on trial in Europe. Between the 13th and 18th centuries, animals (and insects!) would be charged with crimes and put on trial in the same way as humans. Crimes included vandalism, treason, and even murder. Sadly, some of these “criminal” animals were sentenced to death for their crimes. 

Animal trials probably seem extremely silly and, frankly, dumb to us modern folk. However, a few hundred years ago, people believed animals adhered to the same moral principles as humans. Many thought animals could tell “right” from “wrong” in the same way that we do. Today, we generally believe animals don’t have moral agency. Animals don’t ever murder humans, vandalize property, or do any other “illegal” things on purpose.