Releasing pigeons on Wesak day leads to inhuman trade: Priest

A Malaysian Buddhist high priest has said that the practice of releasing pigeons and sparrows on Wesak day (Buddha's enlightenment day) actually perpetuated inhumane trade and capture of such birds.

Buddhist chief high priest of Malaysia, venerable K Sri Dhammaratana Maha Nayaka Thera, noted that "this act of mercy" led to harm being done to the defenceless creatures.

He said many pet shops inhumanely caught the birds to take advantage of the festive excitement and later unscrupulous traders caught pigeons and sparrows after they were freed.

"The birds are dazed and disoriented after being caged for some time and some are too weak or injured to fly properly and when they are released, these bird catchers wait outside temple grounds to net them," the priest said.

Meanwhile, neighbouring Singapore's National Parks Board and National Water Agency appealed to the public not to release animals into nature reserves and reservoirs, as such acts may have adverse effects on the ecological balance of the tiny island state's nature reserves and parks.

The officials said it could also affect the water quality of Singapore's reservoirs. It is a common practice in Singapore to release animals during Wesak Day, which falls on May 9.