It was a goat..not someone's child, or identity...a goat. he is probably poor as shit and literally stole the goat to survive...I'm sure you've stolen before...a pack of gum or something of the like...and I doubt you would think that a fitting punishment if it was your hands being chopped off. I mean, I can't say for sure, but perspective would've helped in this situation. We don't know the full story, just he stole a goat...under what circumstances and why might lead us to change our opinions...especially if he did it to help children or elderly he may be related to.

I agree. It would be nice to have some more information on this story. Maybe he got caught, then tried to fight the farmer. Who knows.