Mission: Get the University of Southern California to End Dove Releases

Posted by Calvin on August 27, 2024

The University of Southern California continues to release doves as part of its commencement ceremony year after year, even though it knows that birds used for this event often get lost, injured, or killed. 😰🕊️ Let’s take action to finally end this cruel tradition!

Releasing these captive-bred birds in this manner can straight-up threaten their lives. A crowded, noisy graduation ceremony is no place for doves, who have sensitive ears. Loud noises can permanently damage their ears and cause the birds extreme pain and anxiety.

After being released, they frantically try to return home and may wander for days without eating or resting. During this stressful period, the birds may be seriously hurt or killed by extreme weather conditions or attacks from predators. 😢

PETA has received a ton of calls from folks who have found badly injured or malnourished banded birds. Our staff have even picked up the remains of several who were killed by hawks or falcons. 😱 Let’s be clear: Doves don’t deserve to be scared, hurt, and killed for a celebration. Period. 👏

What You Can Do

Please help us urge University of Southern California President Dr. Carol Folt to end the cruel tradition of releasing doves at school events. Follow these steps to help prevent doves from suffering and earn peta2 points in our Rewards Program:

1. E-mail Folt politely asking that she cancel the dove release portion of the event, and take a screenshot of your e-mail.

Dr. Carol Folt

President
[email protected]; [email protected]

2. Submit your screenshot for 15 30 peta2 points. You’ll earn double the points all summer long for taking action to help animals on peta2.com! (Heads-up: You’ll only get points once for taking this action.)