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Pet Birds in Halacha

In his tzavaah, Rabbi Yehuda HaChassid warns against raising pigeons and doves in one’s home lest it cause severe consequences, chas v’sholom. Elsewhere in Sefer Chassidim, he also speaks against raising birds for aesthetic purposes.

The reason for these objections is not very clear, but there have been a number of suggestions: Some have suggested that there must be a Kabbalistic reason for not raising doves and pigeons, and others suggest that since the korban ani (the sacrifice brought to the Holy Temple by the very poor) was comprised of doves or pigeons, raising them could therefore be ominous.

Some reasons cited for not raising birds may be that it costs money that could be better spent on tzedaka, and consumes time that could have been used for the study of Torah and the performance of mitzvos. Another reason suggested is that in the aftermath of the churban Beis HaMikdash (the destruction of the Holy Temple) one should not engage in pursuits that are purely pleasurable. There are poskim who quote Rabbi Yehuda HaChassid’s tzavaah and rule that one should not raise doves and pigeons in their home, but that one may have a pet bird in a cage if there is a justifiable reason. Halacha2Go #309

Having a Dog at Home

Having a dog in one’s home is a very serious and halachically problematic issue. First, there is the pasuk in the Torah of lo sasum damim b’veisecha, that one is not allowed to have something dangerous in their house. Even a dog that does not bite but only barks could be frightening to people, and that is also considered something dangerous.

Chazal call a person who has a dog in their house arur, cursed. If the dog is chained, then it is not a problem, as it is not considered dangerous. Nonetheless, there is another issue of why the person wants a dog. If the purpose of the dog is not to be outside the house for security purposes, but as a home pet for entertainment and companionship, Rabbi Yaakov Emden and other poskim say that this is not derech haYahadus, the Torah way, and is considered wrong and inappropriate.

Halacha also tells us we should consider the fact that if there is a dog around, it could wake up other people during night, and one has to be careful not to disturb their neighbors. There are also halachos that apply to taking care of a pet on Shabbos and dirt that comes from the dog that one has to be careful not to be in the presence of when making brachos, davening, or learning Torah.

In sum, it has never been the Jewish custom to have animals as pets which do not serve a farming, health or security purpose but just for entertainment and companionship as the goyim do, and in some cases such as dogs, there are also various serious halachic considerations as mentioned. Halacha2Go #88

Fishing

Q. Are you allowed to go fishing if you will throw the fish back in the water or not eat it?

A. The Torah forbids us from acting cruel to animals, including fish, and/or causing them pain.

Fishing causes pain to the fish that are caught, as the hook pierces the mouth of the fish. Sometimes this injury can prevent the fish from being able to eat, causing more pain and death.

While we are permitted to cause (necessary) harm to an animal in the process of preparing them to be eaten, “catch and release” is prohibited for the above reason.

Note, that the above is regarding fishing as a sport. If it is being done for the purpose of eating, or even for therapeutic reasons, a Rav should be consulted as how to do it in the best way. #9152*

Catching Mice

Q. When I catch a mouse do I need to kill it before disposing of it?

A. It is permissible to trap mice if they are a nuisance.

It is recommended not to allow their extended suffering while in the trap, but to do something which will hasten their death. #1016*

Q. What should I do If a mouse gets trapped in a glue trap over Shabbos?

A. If it’s in a corner and not bothering anyone, best to leave it until after Shabbos. If it’s noticeable and making people feel uncomfortable, you can discard it on Shabbos (best with a shinui, like with the back of your hand etc). #10748*

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