Where do the souls of animals and birds go after their death, and is the Angel of Death responsible for taking them?

The Angel of Death is questioned about seizing the souls of humans, as stated in the Quran. However, regarding the souls of animals and birds, there is no authentic text (nass sahīh), and the hadith (definition) mentioned in this regard is fabricated (mawdu'). Scholars have differed on this matter; some believe that the Angel of Death seizes them, while others hold that Allah Himself causes their death. Sheikh Ibn 'Uthaymeen was of the opinion that delving into this is an unnecessary burden (takalluf) and that one should not be extreme (tanattu') concerning matters of the unseen (ghayb) for which there is no textual evidence.

As for the fate of animal souls, the hadith indicates that they will be resurrected on the Day of Judgment, and justice will be served between them (retribution will be taken from some for others), and then they will be told, "Be dust."