What is the ruling on making and owning statues of animals or humans, and on holding processions of animal statues such as the Patalawati bird?

Summary

Making or owning statues with a motive of worship or veneration, or any motive contrary to the objectives of the Shariah, is forbidden. Without such a motive, a three-dimensional statue with complete outward limbs is forbidden, while one lacking a main part such as the head is disliked but still within the permissible category. A complete statue is allowed for a recognised benefit such as education or children's toys. Processions involving veneration are superstition and should be avoided, those with no positive effect are disliked, and those causing harm or wastefulness are forbidden.

Written in our own words from the original fatwa — check the source before acting on it.