For too long, birds have suffered in silence behind glass cages in pet stores where they are treated as merchandise rather than living, feeling beings. Now, New York has a chance to become the first state in the U.S. to ban bird sales in retail pet stores. We must show our support and push lawmakers to follow through.

Birds are not decorations. They are not for sale. Birds are social, intelligent animals who can live decades when cared for properly.

But in the pet trade, they’re often bred in cramped, inhumane mills, separated from their mates or parents too early, and sold to impulse buyers who may have no idea how to meet their complex needs.

Many birds languish in isolation, suffer from mental distress, or are abandoned when the novelty wears off. This is not just a pet issue — it’s an animal welfare crisis.

California has already banned the sale of cats, dogs, and rabbits in pet stores. New York banned retail dog and cat sales in 2022. It’s time to include birds in this ban and put an end to the commercial bird trade in pet stores for good. 

Sign this petition to urge New York lawmakers to pass this critical legislation and to inspire other states to do the same.