Facts
The kept a monkey that he knew was likely to bite. It bit the claimant.
Issue
Must the claimant prove where a keeper knows of an animal's vicious tendency?
Held
The defendant was liable.
Principle
A keeper who knows () of an animal's dangerous tendency is liable for harm it causes without proof of negligence.
Why it matters
Classic scienter case.
Cited in these chapters
Cite this page
May v Burdett (1846) 9 QB 101 (Lanbuk) <https://www.lanbuk.com/llb/torts/cases/may-v-burdett> accessed 31 October 2026
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This summary is a Lanbuk study aid based on the generally known facts and reports of the case. It is not legal advice.