Why did pigs and rats end up in court?

Available for over a year

Records show that from the 9th to the mid-19th century, animals such as pigs and rats were routinely taken to court. Pigs could be accused of injuring children, rats were issued with orders to leave people's homes. They were assigned defence lawyers and in some cases, were let off for good behaviour, but pigs could be hung for their crimes. Photo: Farm reared pigs Credit: Getty Images