The Queen v. Townley Lr.

1 C.C. 315 (1871)

Facts

Rabbits were killed and stored in a ditch on land belonging to the Queen (P). Townley (D) returned to the place of storage and attempted to carry the rabbits away. It is assumed that D had also participated in the killing and storage of the rabbits. By law, no one owns wild animals (ferae naturae), but, once killed, they become the personal property of the owner of the land where they died. D was charged with larceny of the rabbits from P. D appealed his conviction.