A person found two sheep near their home in the wilderness and took them in. They are seeking guidance on what to do next and how long they should wait for the sheep to become lawful for them.
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1 Answer
Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings.
Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Sistani (may God protect him):
If an animal is found in an inhabited area—places where animals are usually safe from predators, such as towns and villages—it is not permissible to take it. Whoever takes it is responsible for it and must protect it from harm and provide for its needs, without being able to claim reimbursement from the owner for the expenses incurred. It is also required to announce its presence, and it remains the responsibility of the finder until it is returned to its owner. If the finder loses hope of finding the owner, they should give it as charity with the permission of the legal authority, as a precaution. However, if the animal is at risk of harm due to unforeseen circumstances like illness, it is permissible to take it to prevent harm without liability, and the finder must also search for its owner. If they lose hope of reaching the owner, they should give it as charity as mentioned.
Source: Minhaj al-Salihin, Vol. 2, Issue 758.
Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Khamenei (may God protect him):
If an animal is found in an inhabited area, it is not permissible to take it or claim it, regardless of the type of animal. Whoever takes it is responsible for it and must protect it from harm and provide for its needs, without being able to claim reimbursement from the owner for the expenses incurred. However, if it is a sheep that has been held for three days, and the owner does not come, it can be sold and the proceeds given as charity. It seems that the finder is liable if the owner comes back and does not agree to the charity. It is also permissible to keep it for the owner or hand it over to the legal authority. If the animal is in danger due to illness or other reasons, it is permissible to take it without liability, and the finder must provide for it. They may claim reimbursement from the owner if the expenses were incurred with the intention of seeking reimbursement. If the finder benefits from riding it, carrying goods, or obtaining milk, they may use it and account for it against their expenses, returning any excess to the owner if the expenses exceed the benefits.
In any case, once the animal is taken in an inhabited area and is under the finder’s control, they must search for its owner in both permissible and impermissible cases of taking. If they lose hope of finding the owner, they should give it as charity or its value like any other property of unknown ownership.
Source: Tahrir al-Wasila, Regarding Lost Animals, Issue 1.
May you be successful in all good.