Preventing Tzar Baalei Chayim on Shabbos

Q. On Shabbos, animals are muktzah and may not be picked up. What if an animal is attacking another on Shabbos and the only way to stop the fight is by picking up one of the animals? Is it permissible to pick up an animal to prevent tzar baalei chayim (pain to animals)?

A. Rav Tzvi Pesach Frank, ruled in Har Tzvi (OC 205) that if there is no other way to protect the animal from harm, the animal may be picked up on Shabbos. Although one is not permitted to move muktza to prevent a financial loss (except in special circumstances), it is acceptable to prevent tzar balei chayim. The Shulchan Aruch, as explained by the Mishna Berura (305:65 and Beiur Halachah) renders a similar psak regarding an animal carrying a heavy load of muktzah on Shabbos (which the owner forgot to unload before Shabbos). If there is no other way to alleviate the stress on the animal, it is permissible to remove the muktzah from the back of the animal because of tzar baalei chayim.

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The Gerald & Karin Feldhamer OU Kosher Halacha Yomis is dedicated to the memory of Rav Yisroel Belsky, zt"l, who served as halachic consultant for OU Kosher for more than 28 years; many of the responses in Halacha Yomis are based on the rulings of Rabbi Belsky. Subscribe to the Halacha Yomis daily email here.