New York State is considering landmark legislation that would make it illegal to sell most birds in retail pet shops. The proposed bill, introduced in both the New York State Assembly (Assembly Bill A8327) and New York City Council (Intro 1325) in July 2025, aims to expand existing bans on the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits to include birds, with limited exceptions for certain domesticated species such as chickens or ducks, and licensed breeders.
Lawmakers and animal welfare advocates argue the move is urgently needed to protect birds from widespread abuse in the pet trade. Many birds found in pet shops, such as macaws, parrots, parakeets, and finches, are often sourced from large-scale commercial breeding operations, also known as “bird mills,” where conditions are frequently cramped and unsanitary. Investigations have documented severe suffering at these facilities, including overcrowded cages, a lack of socialisation, and poor health standards. According to supporters of the bill, birds sent from mills to pet stores are frequently deprived of their natural social environments and subjected to stress and neglect, resulting in psychological and physical harm.
The legislation also responds to concerns about wildlife trafficking. Many exotic birds sold as pets are taken from the wild or bred under questionable conditions, negatively impacting wild populations and fuelling illegal trade networks. Removing birds from their habitats can disrupt fragile ecosystems and threaten species already at risk.
If the bill passes, New York would become the first state in the US to ban the sale of birds in pet stores, mirroring earlier bans on other animals. Animal advocates hail the measure as a model for other states to follow. The legislation is currently under consideration, with advocacy groups and lawmakers urging swift passage to address what they describe as a crisis of animal abuse in the pet industry.
