When Doves Cry
When Doves Cry
On January 2, 2017, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) decided to ignore science, ethics, and thousands of pleas from animal activists. AHF proceeded with its plan and released 198 captive-bred doves during the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, to supposedly honor the victims of the horrific Pulse nightclub attack in Orlando, Florida. We must let the Foundation know what we think of its cruel and unethical actions.
Dr. G.A. Bradshaw, doctor of ecology and psychology whose work focuses on trans-species psychology and the theory and methods for the study and care of animal psychological wellbeing wrote to AHF in a letter dated December 31, 2016:
"The only way to prevent the horrors of trauma is to not cause further trauma. This is what your proposed treatment of the doves will do. Birds have comparable brains and vulnerability to PTSD as we do. As a researcher on animal and human trauma, I can attest not only to the profound cruelty, but also to the perpetuation of trauma on this planet if you proceed with your plan. Doves are not just symbols of peace, they are peace itself as they have never done to us what we and you plan to do to them."