• Most of the doves purchased for release are NOT homing pigeons and will NOT return to their original owner.

• Petshop doves are just that - pets. They have been raised in small cages and are unable to fend for themselves in the wild.

• Many are true albinos and are virtually blind in bright sunlight.

• Their white color makes them easy targets for predators as does their trusting nature.

• If they have been raised in a small cage, they are usually not strong fliers. Many can't fly at all.

If you must release birds at a wedding, please check your phone directory or the Internet for a legitimate contractor who has flocks of white homing pigeons that can be hired for release. These birds are totally different from the white doves purchased at a local pet dealer. They will immediately return to the safety of their owners facilities and are much less likely to be killed. Visually, only an expert could tell the difference between a white ring neck dove and a white rock dove (homing pigeon).