The Torah in Parashat Ahareh-Mot (Vayikra 17:13) commands that when one slaughters a Haya (non-domesticated animal) or a bird, he must cover the blood that spills on the ground as a result of the slaughtering, an act called Kisui Ha’dam. The Sefer Ha’hinuch explains that it would be cruel to partake of a creature’s flesh while it’s blood, which sustained the creature when it was alive, and thus symbolizes life, is exposed. The blood of a Behema (domesticated animal) does not require covering because these animals are suitable to be offered as sacrifices, and their blood is needed to attain Kappara (atonement) by being sprinkled on the altar. Since the blood of an animal sacrifice cannot be covered, as it is to be sprinkled on the altar, the Torah did not command covering the blood of any Behema, even one which is not being offered as a sacrifice. Although some birds are also offered as sacrifices, the Sefer Ha’hinuch notes that there are very few birds suitable as sacrifices, and, moreover, animal sacrifices are offered very rarely. The Torah therefore established that the blood of all birds requires covering, since it is in only very rare instances that a bird’s blood is sprinkled on the altar. In introducing this Misva, the Torah speaks of one who hunts a Haya or bird and then slaughters it. At first glance, it might appear that this obligation applies only if one hunts the creature. In truth, however, the blood must be covered even if the animal or bird did not need to be hunted, such as if it came into one’s yard on its own and was trapped there. This Misva applies only to Hulin – meaning, creatures which have not been consecrated as a sacrifice. Once an animal has been consecrated, it does not require Kisui Ha’dam after it is slaughtered. The Sages discussed a creature called a “Koi,” whose status is uncertain; it is unknown whether this creature is classified as a Behema or as a Haya. Therefore, one who slaughters a Koi must cover the blood, in case it is a Haya, but no Beracha is recited, in case it is a Behema and thus does not require Kisui Ha’dam. Kisui Ha’dam must be performed by placing earth both underneath and over the blood spilled during slaughtering. If one observes his fellow slaughter a Haya or a bird without then covering the blood, the observer has an obligation to cover it. The Torah formulates this command by stating, “He spills his blood – he shall then cover it with earth.” The Sages inferred from this verse that the act of covering the blood must resemble the act of spilling the blood, meaning, the act of slaughtering. Just as slaughtering is performed by hand, the Kisui Ha’dam must likewise be performed by hand, and not by kicking dirt with one’s foot over the blood. The Sages viewed this Halacha as establishing the general rule that Misvot must be performed in a manner which shows respect for the Misva, and not in a manner which belittles it (such as kicking dirt). The Misva of Kisui Ha’dam applies in all times – even today – and in all places. It is binding upon both males and females. One who slaughters an animal and fails to cover its blood is in violation of this affirmative command.