4. The Donkey of Moisy (1750)
In a small French village, a donkey was placed on trial for bestiality after being the victim of a man’s assault. Remarkably, the court ruled in favor of the donkey, declaring it innocent and acknowledging its status as a victim. The human offender, however, was sentenced to death. This case stands out for its unexpected empathy, showing that even early courts could recognize an animal’s innocence. Read more
