Dove release...is it cruel?

Yes it is cruel. Same for any wildlife used for photo ops. Do a Google search on "dove release cruelty" to get info on why it is a bad idea. Long story short they are unable to survive once they are released.

I don't have an answer for you, but I just want to say to make sure your area/venue is clear of hawks or predatory birds alike, or to be aware it's a thing that can happen. I went on a venue tour (in San Marcos) and the lady giving the tour told me that this couple did a dove release and a hawk just swooped in and snatched it.

I'm not sure what the rules are here about bumping/necroposting/whatever you want to call it, but as a pigeon lover and someone who has read extensively about pigeon care wants to have a dovecote and pet pigeons in the future, I need to speak up about dove releases, dispel ignorance and share some facts.

There is nothing wrong with dove releases.

-The "doves" used are homing pigeons. They have been bred for countless centuries to fly and return to particular locations. They are perfectly capable of flying home, and it is incredibly rare to have any sort of issues. Heck, homing pigeons were used to send messages during World War I and II!

-Homing pigeons are a very active breed of pigeon and need to fly and exercise. They should be allowed to act on their natural behaviors and fly free from time to time. To suggest that homing pigeons should not “home” is like saying a border collie should not herd sheep because it could get hurt. Yes, the possibility is there, but any harm is highly unlikely in the case of homing pigeons and the handler works to minimize any potential chances of harm. Remember that each bird is an investment for the handler to train and care for, and that they love their birds. For many reasons, they do not want their homing pigeons to be harmed.

-Dove handlers will not release doves if they deem the conditions unsafe, due to the venue, the weather and other conditions.

-I see no reason why involving “living, breathing animals” in a wedding ceremony is wrong. Unless you’re having an entirely vegetarian wedding, you’re eating dead animals at the reception, right? I guarantee those animals lived under vastly worse conditions.

-Why someone earlier would mention "wildlife" is ridiculous. Homing pigeons and all other domestic doves have been domesticated since antiquity. To compare them to wildlife is like saying a lop or an angora is the same as a wild rabbit.

-Most dove/pigeon breeders and organizations have no issues with dove releases. Dove releases are legal everywhere I know of for a good reason.