New York City Considers Ban on Bird Sales in Pet Stores

New York, U.S.A: The New York City Council is weighing landmark legislation that would ban the sale of birds in pet stores, a move advocates hail as a major step for animal welfare.

Under the proposal, known as Intro 1325 and introduced by Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala, pet stores across the city would be prohibited from selling commonly traded birds such as parrots, cockatiels, parakeets, finches, and macaws. The bill, which excludes poultry and exempts licensed breeders, comes on the heels of a successful 2024 measure banning the sale of guinea pigs in city stores.

Supporters argue that commercial bird sales often rely on large-scale breeding operations where birds face overcrowding, neglect, and a lack of proper socialization. "Many of these birds are separated from their families at a young age and can spend a lifetime confined to small cages, which is detrimental to their mental and physical health," said Avian Welfare Coalition director Susan Martinez.

Animal welfare organizations backing the bill, including Voters for Animal Rights and World Animal Protection US, believe the legislation would protect both pet birds and wild populations. The global exotic bird trade continues to threaten biodiversity and, they argue, is a significant factor in illegal wildlife trafficking. Parrots and macaws remain high-value targets despite protections under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

“By reducing demand for pet birds, New York City can help disrupt the illegal wildlife market while setting an example for humane policy nationwide,” said John Reynolds, policy specialist at World Animal Protection US.

Bird experts also point to emerging research highlighting the psychological toll of captivity on intelligent avian species. Behavioral disorders such as feather plucking and chronic anxiety are common in species deprived of natural stimuli and social interactions.

If enacted, New York would become the largest U.S. city to implement such a ban. While some pet store owners express concern about lost revenue, animal rights groups hope the legislation will accelerate shifts towards adoption and sanctuary models.

The bill is currently under committee review, with a vote expected later this year.