In the British Colonies, Slaves Generally Had the Same Status

In the British colonies, slaves generally had the same status as domestic animals. What was the main exception to this rule?

A) White slaves maintained all their legal rights. They were just servants for life.
B) Laws forbid masters from killing their slaves through any kind of punishment.
C) Slaves were held responsible for any violations of civil or criminal law.
D) There were no exceptions to the rule.