10 Cases Where Animals Were Put on Trial for Crimes

When one thinks of trials, images of courtrooms filled with legal professionals, witnesses, and draped judges come to mind. However, what if we told you that some of the defendants in those courtrooms donned fur, feathers, or scales instead of suits and ties? Throughout history, animals have been put on trial for an assortment of “crimes,” and it’s much more than just a quirky historical footnote. In medieval Europe, trials of animals were a method of enforcing societal norms and beliefs, often symbolizing the control of human law over the animal kingdom. Here’s a look at ten of the most bizarre cases where animals faced charges in court, ranked in ascending order of lunacy.

1. The Pig of Falaise (1386)

In what might be the most famous of animal trials, a pig in Falaise, France, was put on trial for allegedly killing a child. The animal was dressed in human clothing, placed on trial, and eventually sentenced to death. The image of a pig being prosecuted highlights the absurdity and spectacle of animal trials, merging justice with theatricality.

2. The Dog of Alcoy (1329)

This case involves a dog who was accused of biting a man. The unfortunate pooch was brought to court, where it was subjected to a series of bizarre legal proceedings. Ultimately, the court found the dog guilty and decided to put it to death. This shows how even household pets were not spared from the strictures of legalities at the time.

3. The Cats of Anjou (1484)

In a rather unusual witch trial, hundreds of cats were rounded up and charged with sorcery in Anjou, France. Strangely enough, these felines were alleged to be the familiars of witches. They were tortured, hanged, and burned to purify the land of their supposed magical influence. While this case didn’t involve individual trials, the mass persecution of these cats was indicative of the panicked climate surrounding witchcraft during this period of history.

4. The Roosters of France (1750s)

In a comically obscure case, two roosters were accused of “disturbing the peace” by crowing too loud and too often. The owner was brought to court over their troublemaking birds. The trial underscored how petty grievances could escalate to legal battles in this era, revealing societal attitudes toward noise and property.

5. The Donkey of the Flemish (1513)

A donkey was charged with “crimes against humanity” after it was accused of eating a field of crops. The trial gained notoriety, with plows and other agricultural tools brought as evidence against the stubborn beast. The accused donkey, however, was sentenced to be executed in a rather dramatic fashion.

6. The Spider of St. Andrews (1588)

In a bizarre twist, a spider was put on trial for “stealing” a woman’s knitting needle. After being caught red-handed in the act, the spider faced the court’s judgment and was convicted. This case highlights the sometimes ludicrous nature of legal proceedings involving animals, fueled by dramatic storytelling and community involvement.

7. The Horse of Pavia (1635)

When a man was found injured by a horse, the horse itself faced charges of causing bodily harm. The court proceedings took a strange turn when the owner of the horse was also indicted for neglect. The absurdity reached an apex when the horse was given a chance to defend itself with no clear understanding of what that could possibly entail.

8. The Squirrel of Helmond (1762)

A squirrel was put on trial for allegedly causing property damage in a local garden. The squirrel, having “confessed” to munching on some vegetables, was later sentenced to be relocated—far away from the area. This case epitomizes the sometimes forlorn commitment to justice, even when the incompetence of the legal system was glaringly obvious.

9. The Mice of Pont-Saint-Esprit (1560)

In one of the most puzzling cases, a number of mice were tried in absentia for “waging war” against the local crops. The verdict? A declaration of war against all mice in the region. This case illustrates how animal trials were often entangled with broader societal issues, reflecting fear and frustration about the environment and the balance of nature.

10. The Plague Dogs of Geneva (1348)

During the bubonic plague, dogs were rounded up and executed on suspicion that they were spreading the disease. This collective punishment against a species was radical and repulsive, and quite possibly the most profound example of how societies attempted to exert control over a chaotic and frightening world. This terrible conclusion to the trials illustrates the dark side of attempts to impose order on life, regardless of the absurdity involved.