Dear Kollel:
Clearly, it is assur to raise small animals, like sheep and goats, in Israel. But given that certain korbanot required these animals, and that raising sheep and being a shepherd is quite the noble proffesion in TaNaKH (i.e. Moshe Rabenu, David Hamelech), how can it be that the Rabbis prohibited raising these animals in Eretz HaKodesh? Doesn't it seem that the Torah was fine with such actions?
Shira and Sarah, Israel
Dear Shira and Sarah,
The Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishpat 409:1 forbids the raising of small animals in Eretz Yisrael. However, it is permitted in the deserts of Israel (Aruch Hashulchan quotes the Tur who permits in the forests). The Tur also brings that it is permitted to keep animals in the house 30 days before every Regel and before weddings, and also butchers for 30 days before the market day. All this is based on the Gemara Baba Kama 79b.
Moshe Rabeinu didn't live in Eretz Yisrael and it is quite certain that David ha'Melech took care of sheep only in far away areas like deserts or forests. In areas of Jewish-owned land the Rabbis were careful not to damage other people's property and totally forbade small animal growth since its very difficult to care of them properly!
All the best,
Reuven Weiner