from
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
ANIMALS OF A BASE NATURE. Those which, though they may be reclaimed, are
not Such that at common law a larceny may be committed of them, by reason of
the baseness of their nature. Some animals, which are now usually tamed,
come within this class; as dogs and cats; and others which, though wild by
nature, and oftener reclaimed by art and industry, clearly fall within the
same rule; as, bears, foxes, apes, monkeys, ferrets, and the like. 3 Inst.
109,; 1 Hale, P. C. 511, 512; 1 Hawk. P. C. 33, s. 36; 4 Bl. Com. 236; 2
East, P. C. 614. See 1 Saund. Rep. 84, note 2.