Even though the COVID-19 pandemic is mostly under control, we are at the risk of yet another pandemic spread by sick chickens and other birds. The Avian Flu also known as Bird Flu (H5N1)

As per the CDC, as of March 2023, over 50 million chickens and other poultry have been affected by bird flu. Its spreading in all 50 states in the United States. 

In February 2023, the PA Department of Agriculture issued an advisory to shut down all live markets in Philadelphia temporarily. 

We need a permanent ban and we need it NOW.

Live markets have no place in our communities. They are breeding grounds for diseases like Avian flu which can spread from the blood, guts, bedding, feces and urine of animals killed in the live market to customers or can end up in restaurants and eateries and spread to hundreds to people. 

The animals are kept confined in cages in cruel conditions. Animals like rabbits, chickens, ducks, quail, and pigeons are sentient beings capable of love and suffering. There is no humane way to kill them because they do not want to die. They deserve compassion not a knife slitting their throat. 

It is absolutely necessary to shut down live markets in Philadelphia permanently to prevent the spread of diseases and to stop the killing of animals. All beings are worthy of love and kindness. It’s time for the City of Philadelphia to shut down live markets and replace them with produce markets or urban farms.

Please sign this petition and spread it far and wide. We need your voices to amplify theirs. We need to shut down all twelve live markets in Philadelphia.

Watch this eye-opening video about the live markets in NYC. Philadelphia is in a similar place with live markets.