The New York City Council introduced a bird sales ban on June 30. Council member Diana Ayala sponsored the ban on the sale of all birds in pet shops, which applies to all “non-poultry birds.” It was referred to the NYC Committee on Health.

 

Bird breeders have already seen many false claims this year from animal rights groups and biased rescues, such as spreading misinformation that selling pet birds “fuels wildlife trafficking, decimates wild populations and disrupts ecosystems.” Of course, that is false, as pet birds for sale in the U.S. are exclusively bred domestically. More dishonest accusations have been made about the unregulated nature of bird breeding (which is actually heavily regulated) and the suggestion that baby birds are only taken from nests so adult birds can breed again sooner. The truth is that hand-reared birds have higher survival rates and are better socialized.

 

Pet shops would not be allowed to sell birds from breeders, even if they breed their own or buy from select breeders. Over 500 species of birds, including parakeets, canaries, finches, cockatiels, lovebirds, parrots, cockatoos, and many more, would be affected.

 

View the proposal information at
https://legistar.council.nyc.gov/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=7450991&GUID=36E8A52A-8DBA-4EC0-B5D5-E41609EA4F57&Options=&Search=.
 

Find Committee member information at https://legistar.council.nyc.gov/DepartmentDetail.aspx?ID=6908&GUID=18BA7ED9-E266-4CC0-83E8-11662647CF65.

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email list: gennaro@council.nyc.gov, District32@council.nyc.gov, District5@council.nyc.gov, District13@council.nyc.gov, District29@council.nyc.gov, District46@council.nyc.gov, District15@council.nyc.gov, District43@council.nyc.gov, District10@council.nyc.gov
 

subject line: NO to Int 1325-2025

 

NYC Committee on Health,

I oppose Int 1325-2025, which would ban the sale of pet birds in pet shops, as a New York City resident and responsible animal owner. This bill unfairly asserts that all bird breeders and pet shops are guilty of animal cruelty. New York already has animal cruelty laws that address various forms of mistreatment and neglect. These laws include, but are not limited to, Aggravated cruelty to animals N.Y. AGRI & MKTS LAW § 353-a, Overdriving, torturing, and injuring animals N.Y. AGRI & MKTS LAW § 353, Abandonment of animals N.Y. AGRI & MKTS LAW § 355, and Carrying animals in a cruel manner N.Y. AGRI & MKTS LAW § 359. These, along with other laws, can be enforced in cases of animal cruelty and inhumane treatment.
 

Additionally, pet shops and bird breeders are heavily regulated. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) oversees both. A8327 is a redundant law. Animals in pet shops are already protected under multiple layers of laws and regulations.
 

New York City lawmakers should focus our city’s resources on more important issues rather than creating unnecessary and unjust laws driven by extreme interests. Please stop Int 1325-2025 before this harmful bill advances the radical animal rights agenda aimed at removing all pets from our lives. Thank you for your time, and have a great day.
 

Sincerely,

YOUR NAME