Daniel P. Mannix quotes

Very few of the Christians recanted, although an altar with a fire burning on it was generally kept in the arena for their convenience. All a prisoner had to do was scatter a pinch of incense on the flame and he was given a Certificate of Sacrifice and turned free.
It was also carefully explained to him that he was not worshiping the emperor; merely acknowledging the divine character of the emperor as head of the Roman state. Still, almost no Christians availed themselves of the chance to escape. (Daniel P. Mannix)

Animals were allowed to have lawyers - even insects. The insects (usually fleas, lice or locusts) had to be given three days' notice before the trial and some representatives brought into court, duly notified, and then freed so they could warn others.

Daniel P. Mannix