The Torah in Parashat Re’eh (Debarim 15:19) introduces two prohibitions relevant to an animal that is consecrated as a sacrifice, forbidding using such an animal for work (such as plowing with a consecrated ox), and shearing a consecrated sheep’s wool. This verse specifies the particular case of a Bechor – a firstborn animal, which is consecrated automatically at birth – but the oral tradition teaches that these prohibitions in fact apply to all consecrated animals. It is thus forbidden to have a consecrated animal perform work, or to shear the wool of a consecrated animal.
The Sefer Ha’hinuch explains that as these animals have been declared sacred, and designated as sacrifices to Hashem, we are to treat them with reverence. For this reason, the Torah forbids us from using such animals for our personal benefit.
These prohibitions apply to both kinds of animal sacrifices – Kodasheh Kodashim (the higher-level sacrifices), and Kodasheh Kalim (the lower-level sacrifices).
Once the blood of the sacrifice has been sprinkled on the altar, such that the meat becomes permissible for consumption, it is no longer subject to this prohibition. Certain sacrifices are permissible for consumption by Kohanim after the sprinkling of the blood (such as Hatat, Asham, and the two loaves of bread brought on Shabuot together with two sheep). Although non-Kohanim many not eat this meat, nevertheless, if they do, then they violate a separate prohibition, and not this command of Me’ila (misusing consecrated property).
One who mistakenly derives personal benefit from consecrated property must pay the Temple treasury the value of the benefit he received, plus an additional one-fifth. He must also bring an atonement sacrifice called Asham Me’ilot. The money that he must pay – even the additional one-fifth – is considered consecrated, and thus once it has been designated as payment, it is subject to the Me’ila prohibition.
If an animal was consecrated as a sacrifice and then developed a Mum (disqualifying physical blemish), it remains subject to these laws. However, after it is slaughtered, its wool may be sheared and used.
An animal’s wool may be removed if necessary for the purpose of inspecting it for blemishes, as this does not qualify as “shearing.”
These prohibitions are binding upon both men and women, and apply in all places and in all times. Although we do not consecrate animals nowadays, if one did consecrate an animal, it is subject to these prohibitions, and may not be used for personal benefit. One who performs work with a consecrated animal, or shears the wool of a consecrated animal, is in violation of a Biblical command and is liable to Malkut.