DD Animal News – Heads up, bird lovers and animal advocates—New York is spreading its wings when it comes to protecting our feathered friends.
Assembly Bill A8327, recently introduced by Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal, could ban the sale of birds in retail pet stores across the state. If passed, the bill would extend current protections for cats, dogs, and rabbits to include birds, marking a major milestone in the fight for animal welfare. While some exceptions will apply for certain domesticated bird species, the legislation takes direct aim at the exotic bird trade and the suffering it fuels.
Birds Aren’t Trinkets
We might love their colors, songs, and quirky personalities, but birds are wild at heart. Many of the birds sold in pet stores—like parrots, finches, and parakeets—didn’t start out in someone’s backyard aviary. They’re often plucked from the wild or bred in poor conditions. Wildlife trafficking is a global issue, and birds are one of its biggest victims.
Wildlife trafficking is responsible for millions of wild birds being taken from their natural habitats every year to meet demand in the pet industry. Many don’t survive the journey. Those who do may end up in cages far too small, denied socialization, mental stimulation, or even basic care. The result? A life of stress, isolation, and suffering.
Retail pet stores are a major link in this harmful chain. By offering birds for sale—often with little understanding of their complex needs—these businesses help keep a broken system running.
Fighting for Feathered Lives
Birds may be beloved companions, but behind many cages is a heartbreaking story. Despite U.S. laws like the Wild Bird Conservation Act and international agreements meant to protect them, millions of wild birds are still illegally trapped and trafficked to fuel the global pet trade.
Parrots and other exotic birds are especially targeted—they’re now the largest group of captive wild animals in the U.S. and the fourth most popular pet, after dogs, cats, and fish.
Before 1992, the U.S. imported around 800,000 wild-caught birds annually, with many more dying during capture and transport. While countries like the EU have since banned such imports, weak laws and enforcement in other regions mean the illegal bird trade continues.
Habitat destruction and human greed are pushing nearly one-third of parrot species toward extinction. Until global protections are stronger and demand drops, wild birds will continue to pay the price for our fascination with feathers.
What Happens Next?
The bill has passed its first perch in the Assembly, and now it’s fluttering toward the State Senate. If it passes there, New York will become one of the leading states to take a strong stand against the exploitation of birds in the pet industry.
Supporters hope the move will inspire similar laws across the country. In the meantime, if you’re thinking of bringing a bird into your life, experts recommend adopting from a reputable rescue or sanctuary—places that understand what these incredible creatures truly need.
Because birds aren’t just pretty—they’re wild, wonderful, and worthy of protection.
