Compassion Soars in Cities That Have Banned the Sale of Birds
For the 20 million birds kept in cages across the U.S., life is no song. In nature, birds soar through the skies, form lifelong bonds, and play freely. But the pet trade steals all that away—condemning these social animals to lives of deprivation in cages.
But change is happening. With growing awareness of how much birds suffer in the pet trade, cities across the country are stepping up to stop the cruelty. As of September 2025, these communities have passed bans on the retail sale of birds:
- Washington, D.C.
- West Hollywood, CA
- Arlington, MA
- Beverley, MA
- Brookline, MA
- Cambridge, MA
- Ann Arbor, MI
- Hazel Park, MI
- Ferndale, MI
- Easton, PA
Why Birds Are Not ‘Pets’
When free, birds fly miles every day alongside their friends and families, communicating through complex songs and calls. Some bird species mate for life and share parenting duties. The pet trade robs them of everything that is important to them. They can’t fly, choose their flock, or even stretch their wings in many cases—basic freedoms they rely on to stay healthy and happy.
Humans who buy birds as “pets” often don’t realize how complex birds are—or how it’s impossible to meet their needs in captivity. Birds can be a bit like human toddlers, except they stay curious, noisy, and needy for decades—sometimes 15, 50, or even up to 75 years. Caged birds can be extremely loud, bite hard, and need constant attention, lots of space, and plenty of enrichment—requirements that most families aren’t prepared to provide.
Countless “pet” birds spend their entire lives trapped inside a cage in the corner of a living room, basement, or garage, where they’re driven to despair by boredom and isolation. They may scream, pluck out their feathers, mutilate their skin, or rock and pace endlessly. Some even collapse from anxiety.
Let Compassion Soar: Take Action for Birds!
Most families simply don’t have the time, patience, or resources to welcome a bird into their home. But if you do, and you’re truly committed to making this serious decision, look into adopting one from a reputable shelter—never buy an animal from a breeder or pet store. But do your homework first: Birds have complex dietary, behavioral, and social needs, and caring for them is a lifelong, time-consuming, and expensive commitment that requires patience, research, and daily dedication.
Please tell Petco to stop selling birds, reptiles, and other animals:
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