//------------------------------//
// What is a Beast? 
// Story: Beasts and Beings - Stories of Equestria's Inhabitants 
// by Strongbolt Stonewing 
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	Obviously, before you read a book on beasts, you have to understand what a beast actually is.

By definition, a beast is any creature, known or unknown, that cannot participate in the decisions of modern day societies (excluding its own), either because it does not possess the intelligence to do so or simply because it is too dangerous.

Also, anything, with the exception of animals, that poses a direct threat to other living creatures, for no discernible reason, is automatically classified as a beast.


Other ponies suggest that Animals and Beasts are completely different, some have even requested 'Beastliness' to be included in the classification system between Genus and Species.


Shiera, a language we understand, please.

As I was saying: Animals and Beasts are, in many ways, different. It is thought that any creature not matching the characteristics of an Animal or Being is automatically classified as a Beast.

In 1895, Germanian Scientist Ludvan Schneesenhimer deduced that an Animal is any living organism that has no magical abilities.

For some time, this theory was not questioned, until 1967 when a group of animal rights supporters, commonly known as the Equestrian League of Animal Protectors (or ELAP), presented a statement: "It has come to our attention that a variety of our less-magical animal friends are frequently complaining about the lack of certain non-magical creatures (specifically Earth Ponies) whom do not receive the title of Animal."

Naturally, the Earth Ponies were outraged at this. They proclaimed that they refused to be classified as Animals if it meant Pegasi, Unicorns and Alicorns did not.

A debate was held in Canterlot, members of councils from all across Equestria attended to discuss a compromise for their dire situation.

Eventually, it was decreed that five 'kingdoms' would be created to classify all living organisms. One being Animalia (Animals), where all living creatures except plants and bacteria would be categorised, including all types of ponies. And thus, Schneesenhimer's theory ELAPsed. See what I did there?


However, there was a problem: by re-organising the classification system, the scientists left little room for differentiation between species.

In simpler terms, there were not enough variations within the classification system to allow ponies to differentiate between the different animals.

In even simpler terms, the ponies didn't have enough information to tell the difference between certain creatures, for example: how dangerous one thing may be compared to another.

So, the 'Beast and Being'  Act of 1973 was implemented. This stated that any animal that poses a direct threat to pony-kind and did not match the characteristics of a normal animal (for example: fur colour) would be classified as a Beast.

It's an unstable system, even in modern times, ponies are still debating the issues within it.

But wait until you see the 'Being' idea...