The Torah commands in Parashat Shoftim (Debarim 17:1), “Lo Tizbah L’Hashem Elokecha Shor or Seh Asher Yiheyeh Bo Mum” – that we may not offer a blemished animal as a sacrifice to G-d. The Sifri interprets this verse as emphasizing that even if an animal has a temporary blemish, which can be expected to be cured, it may not be offered as a sacrifice while the blemish is present. The Gemara gives the examples of certain kinds of mild skin boils, and a tearing eye which blurs the animal’s vision, conditions which are temporary. It is forbidden to offer as a sacrifice an animal suffering from one of these ailments.
This prohibition applies during the times of the Bet Ha’mikdash, and it is binding upon not only Kohanim, but also Yisraelim, and both men and women. The slaughtering of a sacrifice does not require a Kohen; it may be performed even by a non-Kohen, and by both men and women. Therefore, this prohibition, which forbids slaughtering a blemished animal as a sacrifice, is binding upon both men and women. One who transgresses this prohibition and slaughters a blemished animal as a sacrifice is liable to Malkut.