Answer: One is obligated to treat animals well, to avoid harming them or causing them pain without a valid religious benefit, and to deal with them gently and kindly.

With regard to castrating an animal in order to fatten it, or branding it so that it may be identified—whether that is done by cutting its ear, cauterising it, or the like—there is no objection, for these procedures serve a benefit. However, one must choose the easiest method for the animal and not employ a particularly painful technique that harms it without need. It is forbidden to place the brand on the animal’s face; he must avoid the face altogether and may not brand it—whether by fire, cutting, striking, or anything else—because striking the face and branding the face are both prohibited.

Branding on the ear, however, is unobjectionable—whether by cutting a portion of it, piercing it, or cauterising it with fire—since this is for a valid purpose; yet he must still use the least painful method available.

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Accidental killing of animals

Question: At times, while driving at speed, a cat or dog suddenly runs in front of me. I cannot control the car or avoid it, and I end up running it over against my will. Am I sinful for this or not?

Answer: Animals possess inviolability; it is not permissible to attack them or kill them except when they are harmful—such as predators, snakes, and other dangerous creatures. As for animals that are not harmful, it is not permissible to kill them. If one of these appears in front of you while you are driving, then you must