LEV888 Over and beyond the prevention of outright physical pain, certain commands in the Torah regarding animals seem to be concerned about more subtle forms of stress and discomfort. Thus in connection with the law of sacrifices we read: [this verse, Exodus 22:29]. Although different reasons can be found for this law, the Midrash perceived in it a further manifestation of God's mercy. (Deuteronomy Rabbah 6:1; see also Maimonides, Guide, Friedlander trans., p.360). An animal's tenderness and concern for its offspring has long been an admired object of simple observation. To cause an immediate separation between the offspring and the mother, thus interrupting the nursing process, is to cause cruel and unnecessary pain. Related to this law is the command: "And whether it be a cow or ewe, you shall not kill it and its young both in one day." (Leviticus 22:28. See Chullin 79a, Yoreh De'ah 15:2. This law applies to either the male or the female parent.) Maimonides explains that the purpose of this prohibition is: "in order that people should be restrained and prevented from killing the two together in such a manner that the young is slain in the sight of the mother; for the pain of the animals under such circumstances is very great. There is no difference in this case between the pain of men and the pain of other living beings, since the love and tenderness of the mother for her young ones is not produced by reasoning but by imagination, and this faculty exists not only in men but in most living beings." (Maimonides, Guide, 3:48).