SUMMARY
דף פ
Raising animals in ארץ ישראל
In order to facilitate the settlement of ארץ ישראל, the חכמים instituted a תקנה not raise small domesticated animals in ארץ ישראל. They would damage fields belonging to others by wandering off to graze. Large domesticated animals, although the same concern existed, the חכמים did not institute a prohibition. They did not institute decrees thatרוב הציבור אינן יכולים לעמוד בו, the majority of people could not uphold. These animals were needed for work as well as food. This prohibition did not include Syria.
Although conquered by דוד המלך, it did not attain full status of holiness. It classified as a כיבוש יחיד, a place conquered by an individual. Exceptions to this law were places that were uncultivated places such as deserts and forests. One could import them in advance of a wedding or holiday thirty days. Any leftover animals were sold to a butcher who could keep them until the market day. רבן גמליאל disputed the חכמים. He held one could maintain them longer than thirty days as long as they were confined to the house. A shepherd who violated this decree and regretted his action did not have to sell them immediately but little by little. The same decree applies to small non-domesticated animals such as deer and foxes but cats, monkeys and weasels were permitted because they prevented mice and worm infestation.
רב instituted this decree in בבל because it had a large Jewish population. He also prohibited white cats that were vicious and attacked humans. Chickens were not permitted in ירושלים. כהנים were not permitted to raise them anywhere. They peck in dung heaps and transfer טומאה. Fierce dogs had to be chained. One was not allowed to raise pigs. Spreading bird nets was permitted only outside the city limits.
