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1. Pigs

Pigs were among the earliest animals to ever be put on trial, with the first taking place in 1266 at Fontenay-aux-Roses. A notable pig trial occurred in 1386, when a sow was accused of maiming an unattended infant left in its crib. The sow was arrested and imprisoned in the same cell as human criminals. During the pig’s trial, witnesses were called and the evidence was weighed.

The verdict: Guilty of murder. On execution day, the pig was paraded through town wearing a man’s waistcoat and white shirt to symbolize the equality of animals and men in the court’s eyes. The convicted pig was brutally maimed, just like the child was.