Does Tzar Baalei Chayim Apply to Vermin?

Q. Does the issur of tzar baalei chayim (the prohibition of causing animals pain) apply to insects and rodents?

A. Rav Yaakov Emden (Shailas Yavetz 110) writes that it forbidden to kill domesticated animals pointlessly because of the issur of tzar baalei chayim, but is permitted to kill harmful animals, as well as pesty rodents and insects. As noted previously, one of the main sources for tzar baalei chayim is the mitzvah of “prikah” (helping to unload animals in distress), which relates to animals that work and serve human needs. He writes that even smaller animals such as dogs and cats are also included in the restriction because they have positive functions. As support, Rav Yaakov Emden quotes the Gemara (Shabbos 12a) that Rav Nachman would instruct his daughters to kill lice. Thus, we see that the restriction of tzar baalei chayim does not apply to creatures that bite, sting or otherwise cause harm. He notes that the great kabbalist, the Ari z”l, taught his students not to kill any living creature, including lice. However, that was based on mystical and esoteric concepts, and does not reflect mainstream practice.

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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.