New York City lawmakers are considering legislation that would ban the sale of birds through pet stores and other regulated retail businesses across the state.

While supporters claim this proposal will improve animal welfare, the reality is that it would eliminate responsible, regulated sources for pet birds while pushing consumers toward unregulated online sellers, social media marketplaces, and other sources with far less oversight.

If passed, this legislation would:

• Prohibit the sale of many pet birds through licensed and regulated retail businesses
• Remove important consumer protections, including health guarantees, transparency, and accountability
• Push families toward unregulated online sellers and out-of-state sources
• Threaten responsible small businesses that comply with animal-care standards and state regulations
• Reduce consumer access to healthy, well-cared-for companion birds

Responsible pet retailers provide transparency, education, and accountability that consumers cannot always find through unregulated sellers. Eliminating these businesses will not stop bad actors, it will simply drive consumers away from regulated sources and into the shadows of the marketplace.

New Yorkers deserve practical animal-welfare policies that target irresponsible sellers without punishing responsible businesses and consumers.

Tell New York City lawmakers to oppose this bird-sale ban and protect responsible pet choice.