Are Non-Jews Obligated in Tzar Baalei Chayim?

Q. Does the issur of tzar baalei chayim (the prohibition against causing pain for animals) apply to non-Jews as well?

A. The Aishel Avrohom – Butchach (OC 305:13) writes that non-Jews are not included in this prohibition, since this is not one of the seven Noahide laws. The Pri Migadim, as well, implies that this prohibition does not apply to non-Jews. However, Sefer Chasidim (12th Century – siman 666) writes that non-Jews are included in this prohibition, since we find that the angel rebuked Bilaam (who was a non-Jew) for hitting his donkey (Bamidbar 22:32). Additionally, it can be argued that even if there is no formal prohibition for a non-Jew, they are nonetheless morally bound not to mistreat animals. Igeros Moshe (YD 2:130) proves that both Jews and non-Jews are held accountable for negative midos, even though they are not formally included in the 613 mitzvos or the 7 Noahide laws.

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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.