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Romantic weddings: 6000 pigeons suffer from brutal traditions!
On International Pigeon Day 2024, Tierschutz Austria will shed light on the suffering caused by the release of pigeons at weddings.
Romantic weddings: 6000 pigeons suffer from brutal traditions!
On June 13, 2024, over 6,000 couples got married in Austria, which corresponds to around 200 weddings per day. However, these joyous celebrations often come with a dark shadow: the custom of releasing live white doves as a romantic symbol. Loud OTS These traditions often lead to significant stress, disorientation and, in many cases, death to the animals.
The President of Tierschutz Austria, Dr. Madeleine Petrovic, warns urgently about the conditions under which these pigeons are kept and transported. While such pigeons often come from breeders that select them solely for their attractive appearance, they do not have a good sense of direction. This makes it difficult for the released animals to find their way back to their home range, especially in bad weather. Veel pigeons that are released thus spend their lives on their own, becoming victims of birds of prey or starving, which further increases criticism of this romantic custom.
The Price of Romance
Animal rights activists massively criticize the associated business with “wedding doves”, which only brings short-term joy for people but long-term suffering for the animals Focus reported. Often breeders have to separate pairs to ensure the pigeons return quickly, which also causes high levels of stress. Animal protection associations and animal shelters are increasingly faced with the challenge of taking in these released pigeons.
Leonie Weltgen, an animal rights activist, is calling for a ban on abandoning pets, especially wedding pigeons. In her opinion, flying should be avoided because the short-term fun is not commensurate with what the animals have to endure. Consequently, Tierschutz Austria appeals to society not to continue to associate the wonderful symbolism of pigeons with practices that endanger their lives.
Cultural Beliefs and Animal Rights
A look at cultural beliefs shows that many people still view animals as resources, which influences their legal status and protection. Support for animal welfare laws and practices varies widely and often depends on societal norms and historical traditions. Cruelty.farm highlights that education and awareness-raising are crucial to developing positive attitudes towards animal rights.
With the number of weddings looming next June, it is more important than ever to raise awareness about the consequences of the traditional practice of releasing pigeons. Tierschutz Austria is calling for a ban on the release of live pigeons, a reassessment of animal cruel traditions and measures to ensure animal-friendly management of city pigeons in Austria. This is the only way to promote respectful treatment of animals and to reconsider the romantic custom in the long term.