In July 2026, Baltimore City Animal Control seized 367 birds from a single exotic pet shop on Eastern Avenue after a 311 complaint triggered an inspection. Many birds were sick: suffering from respiratory illness, mite infestations, and stress-induced feather-pulling. Veterinarians from the National Aquarium and the Maryland Zoo were called in to help.

The Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS) absorbed all 367 birds into a facility built for cats and dogs, not birds. Ninety animals remain unclaimed, straining a shelter whose director said they haven't seen anything close to this scale in seven years. BARCS is actively seeking rescue partners to take in as many birds as possible.

This didn't have to happen. A single 311 complaint shouldn't be the only line of defense between hundreds of animals and inadequate conditions. Maryland has no requirement for regular inspections or licensing of exotic pet dealers. Without them, shops can operate unchecked until a neighbor picks up the phone.

We're asking Maryland lawmakers to require annual licensing and proactive inspections for all exotic animal retailers in the state. If a business profits from selling live animals, it should be held to a basic standard of care, verified by the state rather than discovered by accident.

Sign to demand Maryland require oversight of exotic animal dealers before another 311 call forces another crisis.