SUMMARY
Thomas Granger was the first person hanged in Massachusetts on September 8, 1642, for committing bestiality with multiple animals, including a mare, a cow, two goats, five sheep, two calves, and a turkey. Granger, a servant to Love Brewster in the Plymouth Colony, was only 16 or 17 years old at the time of his execution. This case highlights the historical context of laws against bestiality, which continue to exist today as a means of protecting both animals and societal morals.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of colonial American history
- Familiarity with legal terminology related to animal rights
- Knowledge of the Plymouth Colony's societal norms
- Awareness of historical punishments for moral crimes
NEXT STEPS
- Research the historical context of bestiality laws in colonial America
- Explore the life and background of Thomas Granger
- Investigate the evolution of animal rights legislation
- Learn about the societal implications of moral crimes in early American history
USEFUL FOR
Historians, legal scholars, and anyone interested in the evolution of animal rights and moral legislation in early American society.