Avito bans 'wedding doves' listings in Russia
As reported by Avito's press service, the company has updated the rules for the 'Animals' and 'Services' categories, and now all advertisements regarding the use of birds in ceremonies are strictly prohibited, and existing offers will be blocked.
Consensus
- Avito banned listings for the rental and sale of doves used in weddings, photo sessions, and other events.
- The ban applies to the 'Animals' and 'Services' sections of the platform.
- The change was implemented after a user submitted a request to prohibit such listings due to animal welfare concerns.
- Avito verified that most released doves die in urban environments.
- Existing listings violating the new rules will be blocked during pre-moderation.
- The move is part of Avito's broader initiative to promote responsible treatment of animals.
- Avito previously launched verification for shelters, zoovolunteers, and breeders, and plans to launch 'XvostRadard' in 2026.
Points of divergence
- The ban was introduced following a request from animal protection advocates. — riamo
- Zoovolunteers report that doves are frequently found injured or starving near civil registry offices and wedding venues. — riamo
- Doves released during ceremonies are especially dangerous in cold weather, often freezing to death within hours. — riamo
- The belief that doves will return home is a myth; domestic doves lack the training of homing pigeons. — riamo
- The service was long considered a harmless tradition and was widely available on various platforms. — gazeta_spb
- White-colored doves are more visible to predators. — gazeta_spb
- The ban was implemented at the pre-moderation level. — vesti
Coverage (6 sources)
- Avito first in Russia banned ads for 'wedding' pigeons. — Baza
- In Russia, announcements about 'wedding' pigeons are starting to be banned — РИАМО
- Avito first in Russia banned ads for selling and renting pigeons for release at weddings, photo shoots and other events — ТАСС (Telegram)
- «Avito» banned ads for doves for weddings — Коммерсантъ
- Avito banned wedding pigeon ads - SPb Gazeta - St. Petersburg news — Gazeta.SPb
- Company "Avito" first in Russia banned ads for "wedding" pigeons — Вести