Divine connections: A file photo showing devotees and their pets seeking blessings from monks at Thekchen Choling temple in 2022. — The Straits Times/ANN
The tradition of releasing animals into the wild on Wesak Day as an act of compassion is becoming less common among Buddhists, as many Buddhist organisations advise against it.
Only three cases of releasing animals into the wild were reported each year from 2019 to 2023, according to the National Parks Board (NParks), which continues to encourage the public to refrain from the practice. Offenders may be fined up to S$5,000 (RM17,400) under the Wildlife Act.
