Chapter 27
Laws Relating to Animals on Shabbath and Yom Tov
CATCHING ANIMALS
31.a. Subject to a few exceptions, to which reference is made in the ensuing paragraphs, it is forbidden to catch any animal (in the broadest sense of the word, including birds, fish, insects and any other living creature) on Shabbath or Yom Tov.
31.b. The prohibition covers any activity executed with the object of depriving an animal of its liberty, by any means whatsoever, including
1) catching it in a trap, a snare or a net,
2) catching it with one’s hand,
3) closing the door of the house while an animal is inside, even though one’s intention in so doing is merely to secure the house, and
4) setting a dog on an animal in order to catch it.
32.The nature of the prohibition depends on the kind of animal one wishes to catch.
1) A person who catches an animal, bird or fish of a type which is commonly caught for use infringes a prohibition laid down by the Torah.
2) An example is an animal which is caught for slaughtering and eating or for the use of its skin.
1) A person who catches a creature of a type which is not commonly caught for use infringes a Rabbinical, but not a Torah, prohibition.
2) An example is flies, which, even if they are caught, are not caught because one needs them, but to prevent them from causing annoyance or harm.
