A Catholic diocese in Metro Manila halted a controversial Easter ritual involving a dove tied to balloons after animal welfare groups raised concerns over cruelty and environmental risks.
READ: Malabon church criticized for using live dove during ‘Salubong’ event
Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan said he was unaware that a dove used during the traditional “Salubong” reenactment at the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of the Immaculate Conception in Malabon had its wings restrained and was tied to balloons.
“Had I known, I would have objected,” David said. “This is not only cruel to the animal, but also harmful to the environment, especially to marine life that may ingest deflated balloons.”
The ritual, which commemorates the joyful meeting of the risen Christ and His Blessed Mother, is a cherished Filipino Easter tradition.
The cardinal explained that the parish had earlier replaced the practice of suspending a child dressed as an angel with the use of a dove, believing it to be a safer and less distressing alternative.
He added that he assumed the dove would be released immediately after the unveiling, without restraint or attachment to balloons.
“This practice will be discontinued,” David said. “There will be no more balloon-flying in future celebrations, and the dove will be released immediately after the unveiling.”
The Philippine Animal Welfare Society earlier expressed alarm over the practice and called for a “more humane approach” to religious activity “where both the solemnity of worship and the dignity and welfare of animals is maintained.”
“Cruelty has no place in religious celebrations or any gathering in our society,” the group said.
It added that while it respects religious devotion, using live animals in ways that cause distress or harm contradicts core values shared by many faith traditions.
