Giving a Dead Sheep to a Predatory Animal on Shabbos
Question
I am the manager of a small zoo, and sometimes when a certain animal, such as a sheep, dies, we feed its meat to a predatory animal. Is this permissible to do this on Shabbos too?
Answer
Greetings,
If the sheep was sick before Shabbos, it is certainly permissible to feed its carcass to a predatory animal, as it is your responsibility to provide for that animal. However, if the sheep was healthy before Shabbos and then died suddenly, there is a difference of opinion regarding whether it is permissible. It is possible that a non-Jew could give the sheep to the animal that needs to eat, or it may be preferable to preserve the meat until after Shabbos.
Source
Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 324:7; Mishnah Berurah, ibid.)
Comments
Have an additional question on this topic or need clarification? Leave your comment below. (Please note that the comment will not be published but will be sent directly to the answering Rabbi for review and a private response)
