Estray

Estray in United Kingdom

Meaning of Estray

The following is an old definition of Estray [1]: An animal that has escaped from its owner, and wanders or strays about; at common law, a wandering animal whose owner is unknown. A wandering beast whose owner is un- known to the person who takes it up. Estrays are such valuable animals as are found wandering in any manor or lordship, and no man knoweth the owner ol them. . Any beasts may be estrays that are by nature tame or reclaimable, and in which there is a valuable property, as, sheep, oxen, swine, and horses, which we in general call ” cattle.” . For animals upon which the law sets no value, as a dog or a cat, and animals ferce naturae, as, a bear or a wolf, cannot be considered estrays. . The finder is bound, so long as he keeps the animal, to feed and care for it; but he may not use it at labor. By early English law, estrays were the property of the king, or of his grantee – the lord of the manor where found. Modem statutes provide that they shall be impounded, for return to the owner, on payment of expenses. See Use.

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Notes and References

  1. Concept of Estray provided by the Anderson Dictionary of Law (1889) (Dictionary of Law consisting of Judicial Definitions and Explanations of Words, Phrases and Maxims and an Exposition of the Principles of Law: Comprising a Dictionary and Compendium of American and English Jurisprudence; William C. Anderson; T. H. Flood and Company, Law Publishers, Chicago, United States)

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