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.
The tradition of mercy release began centuries ago with spontaneous acts of compassion toward animals. Unfortunately, the modern version causes enormous suffering and environmental damage. Temples may purchase thousands of animals to be "freed" in a single day. Trapped animals can sustain injuries from nets or snares, suffocate or starve in transit, or become easy prey on release. Let go outside their natural ranges, they can spread disease, compete for food and territory, or threaten gene pools by mating with native species.
Instead of participating in mercy release, we suggest creating good karma through acts that truly help animals.
News
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July 10, 2012
Turtle Release with Buddhist Blessings, Humane Education and Compassion
HSI joined a group of Chinese Buddhists in New York at an event to encourage a humane alternative to the traditional rituals known as “mercy release.”
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May 16, 2012
HSI and The American Buddhist Confederation Discourage Harmful Animal Release Rituals
HSI and The American Buddhist Confederation of New York announced plans to encourage the Buddhist community to support animal welfare instead of the ritual of releasing animals, such as birds, fish and turtles, into the wild.
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May 16, 2012
國際人道對待動物協會與美國佛教聯合會攜手推廣積極護生取代放生
HSI and The American Buddhist Confederation of New York announced plans to encourage the Buddhist community to support animal welfare instead of the ritual of releasing animals, such as birds, fish and turtles, into the wild.
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May 16, 2012
国际人道对待动物协会与美国佛教联合会携手推广积极护生取代放生
HSI and The American Buddhist Confederation of New York announced plans to encourage the Buddhist community to support animal welfare instead of the ritual of releasing animals, such as birds, fish and turtles, into the wild.