Animal groups condemn dove use in Easter rite; diocese apologizes, vows changes

Trigger warning: animal cruelty

Metro Manila, Philippines — Animal welfare groups condemned the use of a live dove during an Easter “Salubong” ceremony in Malabon, saying the animal was subjected to distress and harm, while the Diocese of Kalookan issued an apology and committed to ending the practice.

The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) said it was “deeply concerned and shocked” over the incident at the Diocesan Shrine & Parish of Immaculate Conception, where a dove was reportedly immobilized and used as part of a religious presentation.

According to PAWS, the bird was tied to a string, its wings forcibly spread with a stick and hoisted to simulate flight during the ceremony. It said the dove was later attached to balloons that were released, resulting in the animal’s death.

“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,” the group said.

Another advocacy group, Animal Kingdom Foundation, also raised concern over a circulating video of the ritual, saying the dove appeared “forced, restrained, and unable to fly.”

“Supposed to symbolize hope and resurrection, yet forced, restrained, and unable to fly,” the group said, noting the bird’s wings appeared stretched and cable-tied to maintain the appearance of flight.

The group said it has reached out to the diocese involved and is awaiting a response.

The Diocese of Kalookan later addressed the incident, issuing a public apology over what transpired during the Easter Sunday ritual.

“We extend our sincere apology for what transpired,” the diocese said in a statement.

It clarified that Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David was present during the celebration but “witnessed only the unveiling from below the pagoda and was not aware of what took place afterward.”

The diocese said the parish has long used a live pigeon – rather than a child dressed as an angel – for decades, even after the Second World War, as what it considered a safer alternative. It had been presumed that the bird would be released immediately after the unveiling.

However, it acknowledged that the pigeon was instead tied to a cluster of balloons, with its wings restrained, and released into the air, calling the act “regrettable.”

The bishop objected to the practice, saying it is harmful not only to the animal but also to the environment, particularly marine life that may ingest deflated balloons.

In response, the parish committed to discontinue the balloon-flying practice. It said doves used in future celebrations will be released immediately after the unveiling.

“As a community of faith, we are reminded that our expressions of 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 diocese said.

The “Salubong,” a traditional Filipino Easter dawn ritual, reenacts the meeting of the risen Christ and the Virgin Mary, often symbolized by the release of doves to represent peace and resurrection.

Animal welfare advocates, however, said the practice should not come at the expense of animal welfare, with PAWS stressing that “cruelty has no place in religious celebrations or in any type of gathering in our society.”

Both groups called for more humane approaches to religious presentations, urging organizers to uphold compassion not only in faith but also in the treatment of animals.