Pennsylvania Event Organizers Cancel Plans to Release Doves

After learning that Pennsylvania’s Delaware County Wage Peace and Justice organization planned to release “doves” for a special event’s opening ceremony in September 2007, PETA got on the phone with the organizers and asked them to replace the dove release with an animal-free alternative, such as using dove-shaped kites. The birds used for “dove releases” are usually homing pigeons who will fly for days without eating or resting in an attempt to reach their final destination. While some fly home safely, birds often lose their way, fall prey to raptors and other predators, or succumb to extreme weather conditions. Upon review, the organizing committee agreed to replace the dove release with a cruelty-free alternative.