Jewish laws require that farm animals undergo no needless suffering.
Judaism dictates specific rules on the treatment of animals. The basis for these doctrines originates in the Torah --- the first five books of the Bible. Judaism views animals as having some of the same sensitivities as humans, thus granting them some of the same rights as humans. The overwhelming theme of animal treatment in the Jewish doctrine centers on preventing animal suffering. The Jewish term for this concept is "tza' ar ba 'alei chayim," which translates to "the suffering of living creatures."
Pet Care
The Torah addresses animal care issues directly affecting pet owners. One of those issues involves spaying and neutering of pets. The Torah prohibits castration of any male species. The law does not specifically address spaying of female pets, but Judaism deems the practice a cause of undue suffering to an animal, meaning it does against doctrine. Adopting an already-neutered pet is allowable, however. The Torah bans declawing and ear clipping due to animal suffering. The Jewish law mandates that pets observe Shabbat (the Sabbath) as their owners do, meaning no work, such as fetching or performing tricks. During Pesach, Jewish pet owners cannot feed their pets leavened grain products (chametz). Jewish law also requires pet owners to feed their animals before feeding themselves.
Jewish Ideas Regarding Working Animals
Judaism allows animals to work for people. This allowance includes tasks such as plowing, carrying heavy loads and herding. Beating or torturing an animal to make it work harder goes against Jewish law. Animals of different species cannot plow the same field because the disproportion causes stress to the animals. The Aruk-ha-Shulhan prohibits working an animal for a 24-hour period without rest. Like pets, working animals must also observe Shabbat. In regards to work animals, owners must provide food and shelter for them as well as preventing and alleviating any suffering.
Animal Slaughter
Consuming animals for food does not violate Jewish doctrine. After the great flood, God gave Noah seven laws which establish a just society, says the My Jewish Learning website. At this time, God permits the use of animals for food. However in conjunction with this permission comes a ban on cutting the limb off a live animal, which essentially forbids the torture of animals before slaughtering. Kosher slaughtering dictates that death occur as fast and painless as possible. If the animal undergoes any pain or suffering during the slaughter process, the meat becomes nonconsumable by a practicing Jew. Jewish law prohibits sport hunting and allows trapping only if it is for food and takes place in the most painless way.
Jewish Ideas Regarding Animals
According to the Torah, humans have dominance over animals. Despite this dominance, Judaism requires its practitioners to exercise care and concern in their treatment of animals. The Torah forbids killing an animal and its offspring at the same time. When taking the eggs of a bird, the Torah calls for removal of the mother to spare her the psychological burden. Breaking the observance of the Sabbath to rescue an animal in need of assistance is allowable for Jews.
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