Animal Cages And Fish Tanks

Animal Cages And Fish Tanks Day: Sunday Date: January 5, 2014 Parshat: Beshalah Source: Yalkut Yosef: 308 Because animals are muktzeh, their cages are muktzeh as well. Even if the cage is also there for decorative purposes as opposed to being there solely to house an animal it is still muktzeh. For example a fish tank is muktzeh even though the only reason why it is kept in that room as opposed to another is to beautify the room. Likewise, a bird cage that is kept in the living room in order to entertain guests etc., is also muktzeh and may not be moved. However if the placement of the cage is causing pain to the animals it may be moved. For example if the sun is shining directly on the cage and the birds are suffering because of it one may move the cage to shadier spot. One may not add water to an aquarium on Shabbat unless there is a concern that the fish might die if he doesn't add water. The DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org