Animal welfare groups condemned a church in Malabon for using a live dove as a “prop” during an Easter presentation for Holy Week.
The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) raised concerns over the Easter Sunday Mass at the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Immaculate Conception in Malabon, where a dove was used toward the end of the ceremony.
During a “Salubong” ceremony, the dove was tied to a string and its wings forcibly spread with a stick. It was then hoisted to remove the black cloth covering the statue of the Virgin Mary.
The dove was also attached to multiple balloons, which were then released into the sky.
PAWS said the act not only killed the bird but also contributed to environmental pollution.
“Does the Church have to unnaturally and unnecessarily kill animals in a gimmicky version of the ritual?” PAWS asked in a statement on Tuesday, April 7.
“While PAWS respects and recognizes the sincerity and devotion to bring the Easter story to life, the use of a live animal in a manner that causes distress or harm is inconsistent with the values of compassion, stewardship, and care for all of creation,” it added.
“Faith traditions have long upheld kindness to all living creatures as an essential principle. In this spirit, we call for a more humane approach to religious presentation where both the solemnity of worship and the dignity and welfare of animals is maintained,” PAWS said.
“Cruelty has no place in religious celebrations or in any type of gathering in our society. We hope that our shared values of care and devotion for the practice of faith will move us to show the same care and kindness to animals that are entrusted to us,” the organization continued.
The Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF) also denounced the use of a live dove in the ceremony.
“Supposed to symbolize HOPE and RESSURECTION, yet FORCED, RESTRAINED, and UNABLE TO FLY,” it said in a statement.
“The bird appears to have its WINGS STRETCHED and CABLE-TIED ON A ROD to maintain the appearance of flight throughout the ceremony. While the intention of the tradition is meaningful, this method may have caused discomfort to the animal,” AKF added.
“We hope future celebrations can reflect not only faith, but also compassion for all, even to the most voiceless of God’s creations,” it said.
Meanwhile, Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, who also presided over the Mass, said that he “was no longer aware of what followed after the veil was removed.”
“I witnessed the unveiling only from below the pagoda,” he said in a statement.
“Apparently, the parish has long practiced the use of a dove —rather than a child dressed as an angel — for several decades now, even since after the Second World War, because people felt it was safer and less distressing than suspending a child mid-air,” David added.
“I had honestly presumed that the dove was released immediately after the unveiling. I was not aware that there was a subsequent practice of tying the pigeon to balloons, with its wings restrained,” the bishop continued.
“Had I known, I would have objected, because this is not only cruel to the animal, but also harmful to the environment, especially to marine life that may ingest deflated balloons,” David said.
He assured the public that the practice “will be discontinued.”
“There will be no more balloon-flying in future celebrations, and the dove will be released immediately after the unveiling,” David said.
The Animal Welfare Act states that it is “unlawful for any person to torture any animal” and “to neglect to provide adequate care,” among others.
The law also makes it illegal to kill any animal, except for cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, poultry, rabbits, carabaos, and horses, unless “it is done as a part of the religious rituals of an established religion or sect.”
“However, leaders shall keep records in cooperation with the Committee on Animal Welfare,” the law said.
It added that “any person who subjects any animal to cruelty, maltreatment or neglect” shall face a jail sentence and/or be penalized for the crime. — with reports from Ian Laqui
