Question:
Hello, We have a 3 mo old female puppy. We have her because we have kids with anxiety, and animals can greatly help with the healing process for that. When the dog is older, we want to avoid having more puppies. I am reading online that it can be very frustrating to the animal to be in heat, but not allowing her to bread. Which is better, spaying? Or allowing her to be frustrated and possibly in pain during those times (6 weeks per year). Thanks.
Answer:
Even if the animal will be frustrated you should not give it to be spayed. The reason is is that it is forbidden for us to castrate an animal. Regarding tzar baalei chayim, it is not prohibited if the reason for the action being done is in order to save a human from a financial loss, or from having to do extra work, and both of these apply to not wanting to have more puppies to take care of and support. Therefore even though the animal will be frustrated, you may still not spay her.
Sources:
Even Haezer 5-11. Shulchan Aruc hHorav -Tzar Baalei Chayim -3, Ohr Sameach Hilchos Rotzeach chap. 13, Tzar Baalei Chaim B’halacha chap. 12-4&7.
So can I or can’t I spay her? Yes, we don’t want further work or money lost with puppies. Does that mean we can spay?
My apoligies if it wasn’t clear… you CAN”T spay her.
For some reason, I thought the prohibition of not castrating an animal only applied to a male animal. Does it also apply to a female as well? And if so, how do we know this?
See the Shulchan Aruch that I quoted
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