Columnist Kate Maddox: Doves stunt angers stars and PETA

Kate Maddox

Sunday, Jan. 9, 2000 | 8:45 a.m.

Kate Maddox's column appears Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, only in the Las Vegas Sun. Reach her at kmaddox@vegas.com.

Maybe things didn't go off with a bang here on New Year's, but at least we aren't one of the cities getting lambasted by PETA -- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals -- for animal cruelty. At this point the folks from the Palestinian Authority Project (who sponsored the release of 2000 doves at the stroke of midnight in Bethlehem) are probably wishing they had rung in the millennium right here in boring old Las Vegas.

Animal rights activists, including pet protector Kim Basinger and tennis legend Martina Navratilova, are among those who are more than a bit outraged about the simultaneous dove release/fireworks display in Bethelem. The two -- who were among those who apparently "watched in horror" as the birds were released -- are leading the charge, with PETA, to try to make an international incident out of the misguided gesture of peace.

The televised spectacle was one of the larger millennial celebrations around the world, but even some TV reporters were horrified when thousands of terrified doves were "set free" into the night air. Broadcasters from CNN and ABC tried hard to control their shock as they watched the birds attempt to find their way to safety amidst the blasting booms of the fireworks.

A spokeswoman from the Palestinian Authority Project told MSNBC that the birds were not mistreated and that, "If any of the doves wasn't flying, it's because birds often don't fly at night." Nice try, but after this past week I think we've all become friendly with post-millennial-letdown spin control.

PETA didn't buy it either and is appealing to federal, state and city governments around the world to pass a "code of conduct" that would include concerns for animals in the planning of future public celebrations.

It looks like the advance word on tonight's NBC movie on the life and times of David Cassidy isn't so good. "The David Cassidy Story" follows on the heels of ABC's "Partridge Family" saga that aired a couple of months ago to not-so-rave reviews.

This new drama chronicling Cassidy's career and personal struggles was originally scheduled to air in the prime-time "sweeps" period for NBC in February -- sweeps occur four times a year and are usually the period when networks air their best shows. Unfortunately, as production wrapped on the drama, NBC redid its schedule and the film, which Cassidy executive produced, will air sooner than originally planned.

The movie reportedly does include a duet at the end featuring Cassidy and young actor Andrew Kavovit, who plays the teen idol in the film. Check it out tonight on Channel 3 at 9 p.m.