Advocates Take Flight for Birds: Inside Our Virtual Lobby Day for Intro 1325
Blog
World Animal Protection and Voters for Animal Rights unite for NYC’s Intro 1325—protecting birds from pet store cruelty and giving them a chance to fly free.
Last week, World Animal Protection and Voters for Animal Rights (VFAR) joined forces for a joint Virtual Lobby Day with one shared mission: to protect birds from the cruelty of the pet trade by supporting Intro 1325—a bill in the New York City Council that would prohibit the sale of birds in retail stores within city limits.
Across New York City, countless birds are displayed in cramped cages, denied the chance to fly freely, form flocks, or engage in the complex social and emotional behaviors that define their species. Many are bred in large-scale operations, shipped across the country, and sold to unprepared buyers—only to be abandoned or surrendered when the reality of their care sets in. Intro 1325, which was introduced in July 2025, seeks to change that, and thanks to the voices of dedicated New Yorkers, this lifesaving legislation is taking flight.
A Day of Advocacy in Action
During our Virtual Lobby Day, 25 passionate volunteers came together to meet with 11 City Council Members’ offices, sharing their stories and urging their representatives to take a stand for birds. These advocates—rescuers, animal lovers, and constituents—showed what compassion in action looks like.
We were even joined by one very special feathered advocate: Jeff, the 45-year-old parrot, who lent his voice (and a few well-timed squawks) to speak up for birds everywhere who deserve a life that’s truly wild.
Special thanks go to Jen and Emilie, who led constituent discussions with care, clarity, and confidence. Their leadership—and the dedication of every volunteer who showed up—helped turn empathy into meaningful political action.
Momentum Is Building
The impact of the day was immediate. Council Member Sandra Ung committed on the spot to support Intro 1325—and has already followed through, becoming the latest co-sponsor.
Today, the bill has 11 co-sponsors, including key leadership within the Council:
- Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala, who introduced and leads the bill,
- Health Committee Chair Lynn Schulman, and
- Finance Committee Chair Justin Brannan.
We’re so grateful to Council Members Christopher Marte, Shahana K. Hanif, Erik D. Bottcher, Shekar Krishnan, Robert F. Holden, Francisco P. Moya, and Shaun Abreu for also co-sponsoring this lifesaving legislation.
Their support sends a powerful message: New Yorkers believe that compassion should guide our city’s policies. The sale of birds in pet stores has no place in a city that values animal well-being, sustainability, and respect for all living beings.
What’s Next
Intro 1325 continues to gain momentum, but our work isn’t done. World Animal Protection, VFAR, the Avian Welfare Coalition, and our coalition partners will keep pushing until birds are free from the cages of the pet trade.
To everyone who attended Virtual Lobby Day—thank you. Your support helps build a future where birds like Jeff will finally experience life as nature intended—free.
Take Action
🐦 If you live in New York City: Contact your Council Member today and urge them to co-sponsor Intro 1325 to end the retail sale of birds in pet stores. Your voice can help free countless birds from a lifetime in cages.
🌍 Outside of New York City? You can still make an impact. Donate to World Animal Protection to help us continue fighting for all animals—everywhere they live, and everywhere they suffer.