New York City has the chance to lead the way in animal protection. Learn why banning the sale of birds in pet stores is critical and how you can help.
Brightly colored parrots, canaries, and finches may look like perfect companions as promoted in pet stores, but the reality behind their sale is far from harmless. Birds are highly intelligent, social, and sensitive animals, and selling them in stores often leads to suffering—for the birds and for the ecosystems they come from. It’s time for New York City to take a stand and prohibit the sale of birds, such as parrots, in pet stores.
Birds in Pet Stores Are Being Exploited
Virtually all birds sold in pet stores come from commercial breeding operations. Birds bred for profit are frequently kept in cramped, overcrowded cages with little socialization, enrichment, or proper care. These conditions lead to stress, illness, behavioral problems like feather plucking or aggression, and have high mortality rates seen as the cost of doing business.
Birds endure unnecessary suffering just to build profits for pet companies.
Why NYC Should Lead the Change
New York City has the opportunity to set a national and even global example by prohibiting the sale of birds in pet stores. Here’s why this legislation, Intro 1325, matters:
- Protect Wild Populations: Selling birds in pet stores drives demand for wild-caught birds. Many birds are taken from their natural habitats, often illegally, to supply the pet trade. Capturing wild birds disrupts ecosystems, reduces wild populations, and subjects birds to trauma and injury during transport.
- Protect Local Birds: Birds kept as pets who escape or are released can compete with and threaten local bird populations.
- End Cruel Breeding Practices: Stopping sales in stores reduces the incentive for large-scale breeding operations that prioritize profit over animal well-being.
- Promote Adoption and Sanctuaries: rescued birds in need of homes are better served by rescue organizations and sanctuaries, where they can receive proper care and socialization.
- Follow the Lead of Other Cities: Several cities, such as West Hollywood, have already banned bird sales, and New York City risks being left behind.
New York City’s legislation often ripples across the country, with other municipalities—and even nations—looking to NYC as a model for animal protection. By passing this law, the city can inspire change far beyond its borders.
Partnerships Driving Change
World Animal Protection US is proud to be working alongside Voters For Animal Rights and the Avian Welfare Coalition to support this critical legislation. Together, these organizations are advocating for a future where birds are protected, not commodified.
How You Can Help
- Support the Ban: Contact your local representatives and urge them to pass Intro 1325, prohibiting the sale of birds in NYC pet stores.
- Adopt, Don’t Shop: Choose birds from rescues or sanctuaries instead of stores.
- Spread Awareness: Educate your friends, family, and community about the suffering behind pet store birds and the importance of this legislation.
A Final Word
The sale of birds in pet stores is a cruel practice that harms both animals and ecosystems. New York City has the chance to lead the way, protect intelligent and sensitive creatures, and inspire change nationwide. By supporting this legislation, we can give birds the lives they deserve—free, safe, and full of dignity.
Take action today: Help make New York City a leader in animal protection by urging lawmakers to prohibit the sale of birds in pet stores.