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Cruel, not merciful at all. © 台灣動物社會研究會（EAST） |
Every year around the world, hundreds of millions of animals are released into the wild through the Buddhist practice known as “mercy release.” The tradition is based on the belief that freeing a captured animal creates good karma, bringing a person good fortune in this life and better prospects for the next. This tradition began hundreds of years ago with spontaneous acts of compassion toward animals. Unfortunately, the modern version of mercy release causes enormous animal suffering and environmental damage.
Many people don’t realize that the vast majority of animals used in mercy release were captured for the sole purpose of being released. Animals trapped for mercy release can sustain fatal injuries from the nets or snares. Others suffocate or starve during transport, when they’re kept in tightly packed crates for days or weeks. Animals who survive to be released often collapse from exhaustion, illness, or injury and become easy prey for predators. Many others die after they’re released into inappropriate habitats, while some non-native animals flourish in their new surroundings, causing enormous problems for native species.
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Profiting from suffering. © 台灣動物社會研究會（EAST） |
How You Can Help
Whether you are a Buddhist or a visitor to a country where “mercy release” is practiced, please don’t take part. Instead, create good karma through acts that help animals, such as supporting a legitimate wildlife sanctuary, donating to programs that aid street dogs, or adopting a more humane diet.
1. If your temple holds such ceremonies, please talk to the monks and other religious leaders about the damage caused by mercy release. Ask them to stop.
2. Do not patronize pet shops that trade in mercy release animals. Ask the proprietors of such stores to stop selling animals for release.
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Feature Story |
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In September 2009, HSI's work on mercy release was featured in All Animals, a publication of The Humane Society of the United States, in an article entited "Tradition Gone Awry." [PDF] |
3. Spread the word by distributing HSI’s Mercy Release brochure:
4. Take our No Mercy Release Pledge, promising never to participate in mercy release.
5. Donate to support our campaign and help animals around the world.
6. If you are a teacher or a student, make a presentation to your class about mercy release.
7. Sign up to receive action alerts and other information from Humane Society International.
Video: Capture Just to Release?
