Mansuetae naturae

In Latin, “by its nature, tame”.

An animal of a type generally considered to be domesticated, gentle, tame, and therefore more apt to serve (or be eaten by) than to attack (or eat) its master.

Dogs, (domestic) cats, cows, geese, hamsters: these are mansuetae naturae. If such a beast causes one’s neighbor an injury, its master will only be liable if he knew that the beast and a nasty streak — in Rex v Huggins the beast in question was a beagle with no such known streak, and to recover the dry-cleaning bill, Mr. Huggins was forced to proceed against Rex directly.

To be contrasted with animals ferae naturae. Like Scots terriers.

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