Don’t release pets in parks on Vesak Day: NParks

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http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/dont-release-pets-parks-vesak-day-nparks

With Vesak Day falling on May 24 this year, the National Parks Board (NParks) is reminding the public to not release animals in the parks on the Buddhist festival.

The NParks has said that there have not been any cases of animals being released at reservoir parks and nature reserves in the past two years, and the board would like to keep that record going.

Some Buddhists observe the practice of releasing animals such as birds and turtles into the wild on Vesak Day as a mark of kindness recalling Buddha’s teaching of universal compassion.

“We will continue to reach out to the community, and appeal to the public not to release animals into the wild,” said NParks Director of Conservation, Mr Wong Tuan Wah.

Most of these animals are kept as household pets, and many die shortly after their release as they are unable to adapt to the new surroundings.”