Legal Definitions - Black Act

The Black Act was a law in England that was passed in 1722. It made it a crime punishable by death to kill or harm animals without a good reason. The law was created because people were committing crimes while wearing black masks or other disguises.

For example, if someone killed a deer for fun or without permission, they could be put to death under the Black Act. The law was meant to protect animals and prevent poaching.

The Black Act was repealed in 1827, but it is still remembered as an important law in the history of animal rights. It was also the subject of a famous book called "Whips and Hunters: The Origins of the Black Act" by E.P. Thompson.