This practice--that is, the covering of animals to protect the sensibilities of the public--extended into the late 1890s, when popular mandate extended the practice to include (when practical) wild animals. While no legal proceedings could be brought against him, a land owner could face public censure for failing, for example, to suitably attire a wandering herd of deer.
One of the earlier public advertising campaigns featuring anthropomorphic artwork took place when Adelaide Cooper (1855-1932), formerly of York, England, attempted to spread this practice in the United States. For a brief time, "Boy! Put pants on that coyote!" experienced a lively period as a catch-phrase in the rural southern states.
True story.