Locals were filmed eareleasing sparrows over for good luck at a Cambodian temple.

The worshippers prayed at the small golden structure then released the little birds from their hands over the Mekong River in Phnom Penh.

Buddhists free captive birds and animals in order to attain merit for themselves and loved ones. While performing the good luck ritual, they make a wish. According to some Buddhist beliefs, releasing birds from cages is a good act that reduces bad luck or misfortune.

However, the practice has come under the spotlight in recent years due to dwindling numbers of birds in the wild.

In Cambodia, researchers recorded a total of 57 bird species in cages, including near-threatened Asian golden weavers and vulnerable yellow-breasted bunt

Some of the birds die during transportation to the religious sites, in the cages or shortly after they're set free.

The Thai Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or TSPCA and the National Office of Buddhism met in July last year to discuss banning the captive bird trade stemming from ceremonial customs.

Teerapng Pangsriwong, President of TSPCA said: ''We are not against the bird releasing but we want to highlight to the public that having birds in cages to release during ceremony is cruel. Long transport durations, cramped cages and a shortage of food or water means that many birds are found dead upon arrival. Infant birds in the wild die of hunger waiting for their parents to fly back with food. Supporting the bird releasing business is the same as supporting a sin business.''

Locals were filmed releasing birds for good luck at a Cambodian temple.

The worshippers prayed at the small golden structure then released the little birds from their hands over the Mekong River in Phnom Penh.

Buddhists free captive birds and animals in order to attain merit for themselves and loved ones. While performing the good luck ritual, they make a wish. According to some Buddhist beliefs, releasing birds from cages is a good act that reduces bad luck or misfortune.

However, the practice has come under the spotlight in recent years due to dwindling numbers of birds in the wild.

In Cambodia, researchers recorded a total of 57 bird species in cages, including near-threatened Asian golden weavers and vulnerable yellow-breasted bunt

Some of the birds die during transportation to the religious sites, in the cages or shortly after they're set free.

The Thai Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or TSPCA and the National Office of Buddhism met in July last year to discuss banning the captive bird trade stemming from ceremonial customs.

Teerapng Pangsriwong, President of TSPCA said: ''We are not against the bird releasing but we want to highlight to the public that having birds in cages to release during ceremony is cruel. Long transport durations, cramped cages and a shortage of food or water means that many birds are found dead upon arrival. Infant birds in the wild die of hunger waiting for their parents to fly back with food. Supporting the bird releasing business is the same as supporting a sin business.''