Malabon church apologizes after dove reportedly dies during Easter ceremony
The Diocesan Shrine and Parish of the Immaculate Conception in Malabon has apologized after their Salubong ceremony had caused the reported death of a live dove.
The ritual was held on Easter Sunday, where the bird was tied to a string with its wings "forcibly spread" with a stick, according to a statement by the Philippine Animal Welfare Society.
It was then hoisted up for the sole purpose of removing the cloth covering the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. However, the organization lamented that the "suffering did not end there" as the dove was then tied to balloons before being released to the air, "killing the bird and pollluting the environment in the process."
In a statement, the rector of the parish has expressed regret over the incident.
"The parish has long practiced the use of a live pigeon-rather than a child dressed as an angel for several decades, even since after the Second World War, as a safer and less distressing alternative," he explained.
He also apologized to the bishop of Kalookan, Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, who he noted was "present at the event but witnessed only the unveiling from below the pagoda."
"He was not aware of what took place afterward," the rector said. "The Bishop presumed that the dove would be released immediately after the unveiling. He was therefore dismayed when it was brought to his attention that the pigeon was instead tied to a cluster of balloons, with its wings restrained, and released into the air."
According to the parish, David has since condemned the practice, emphasizing that it is "not only cruel to the animal but also harmful to the environment, especially to marine life that may ingest deflated balloons."
"As a community of faith, we are reminded that our devotion must always be guided by compassion and responsibility. In caring for God's creation, we honor the Risen Lord who calls us to protect and cherish every form of life," the statement ended.
'Apology misses the point'
Reacting to the apology, PAWS criticized the parish for appearing to "miss the point that the act of fastening the dove's wings to a tube using cable ties causing the animal extreme suffering while using it as a prop for their presentation is a crime."
They urged the church to not violate the Animal Welfare Act or Republic Act 8485, as amended by RA 10631.
"If we cannot be guided by the basic precept that animals are capable of suffering, and therefore we have a moral duty to prevent suffering whenever we can, we can perhaps be convinced that there is the law that can make violators accountable," said Anna Cabrera, Executive Director of PAWS.
"The next time this happens, we will file a case," she added.
David, per CBCP News, stressed that the practice "will be discontinued" and that "there will be no more balloon-flying in future celebrations."
"The dove will be released immediately after the unveiling," he said.
