It says in SA OC Siman 79 Sif 6 that the Yerushalmi prohibits reading Krias Shema in front of the mei raglayim (urine) of a donkey. Is a donkey in this case “davka”, or would the din be true even for other animals (for example a sheep)?
Answer:
It is clear from the context of the Shulchan Aruch that the halachah is specific to a donkey, and does not apply to other animals.
Even for tzo’a (feces), the Shulchan Aruch writes (79:4) that the halachah is specific to donkeys, and writes that for other animals, it is sufficient to distance oneself four cubits from where the scent can no longer be noticed.
The Magen Avraham (13, and Mishnah Berurah 24) is more lenient, and writes that for other animals it is sufficient to distance oneself to the degree that one can no longer smell the excretion, and there is no need to go a further four cubits’ distance.
Best wishes.
