Hi,
We have a
portable fish tank, which we move around from time to time. May we move it on
Shabbos?
Animals
which have no function are muktzeh on Shabbos. [Halachic authorities note that
service animals are a separate class.] A fish tank is considered a base for the
fish, and so a fish tank is as muktzeh as the creatures it contains.
There is
also a second halachic concern involved in handling animals, in that one may
not ride on animals or otherwise make use of their bodies.
Many
halachic authorities agree that the above two concerns are not relevant in the
case of a fish tank. Fish are meant to be admired and portable tanks are
normally moved, and so there is no concern for muktzeh. There certainly is no
concern for "riding" a fish. Therefore, many authorities permit
moving a portable tank. Rav Ovadia Yosef permits moving the tank only where the
fish are in danger of pain or death, such as from cold or direct sunlight.
(Shabbos
128b; Beitzah 38b; Shut Or Zarua 81-82; Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 308:39-40;
Mishneh Berurah 308:146; Ketzos haShulchan 121:fn 4; Yabia Omer 5:Orach Chaim
26; Shemirat Shabbat k'Hilchatah 18:fn 62, 27:fn 96; Az Nidbiru 8:37:2)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
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