"The Preservation of Grain Act, passed in 1532 by Henry VIII and strengthened by Elizabeth I in 1566, made it compulsory for every man, woman and child to kill as many creatures as possible that appeared on an official list of 'vermin'. It is a classic example of a law going somewhat awry in its execution:

'Animals like the wild cat, pine marten and hedgehog as well as the chough, woodpecker, shag and kingfisher were on the list, although many were entirely benign,' said Lovegrove. 'Others on the list were actually beneficial to agriculture by preying on genuine agricultural pests.'"

Reminds me of killing cats cause it was thought they had something to do with causing Black Plague...

The whole point of Science is that we look carefully at the results of our actions to modify our future actions... unless you believe in certain types of "Religion" ...