Legal Definitions - mansuetae naturae

Mansuetae Naturae is a Latin legal term that refers to animals that are inherently tame, domesticated, or easily tamed by humans. These are animals commonly kept by people and are generally not considered dangerous due to their natural disposition. The term is often used in legal discussions, particularly concerning an owner's liability if their animal causes harm, distinguishing them from wild animals (ferae naturae).

• Example 1: A Golden Retriever

  Golden Retrievers are widely known for their gentle temperament and trainability, making them classic examples of animals mansuetae naturae. If a well-trained Golden Retriever, without any prior history of aggression, were to accidentally trip someone, the owner's liability might be assessed differently than if a wild animal had caused the same injury. This is precisely because of the dog's naturally tame and domesticated nature, which suggests a lower inherent risk.

• Example 2: A Dairy Cow

  Dairy cows, raised on farms for milk production, are typically docile and accustomed to human interaction. They are considered mansuetae naturae because their species has been domesticated over centuries, and individual animals are generally manageable and not inherently dangerous. This classification influences how the law views incidents involving farm animals, such as a cow wandering onto a road, as their behavior is generally predictable for a domesticated animal.

• Example 3: A Domesticated House Cat

  A typical house cat, living indoors and accustomed to human companionship, falls under the category of mansuetae naturae. While cats can scratch or bite, their general nature is considered tame and non-aggressive towards humans, especially when compared to their wild counterparts. This classification is relevant when determining an owner's responsibility if their cat causes minor injury or property damage, as the law presumes a certain level of tameness and predictability from such a pet.