Chicago Petco Confrontation: Huge Photos of Parakeets Killed by Breeder, “Heads Ripped Off”

For Immediate Release:
June 15, 2026

Contact:
Nicole Perreira 202-483-7382

On Wednesday, PETA supporters will descend on a Chicago Petco store bearing giant images of parakeets who suffered and died at a breeding facility in Petco’s supply chain. The eye-catching display will include a sign reading, “Birds’ Heads Ripped Off at Breeder Tied to Petco”—just one horror uncovered in PETA’s undercover investigation into Creekside Birds, which breeds parakeets for a wholesaler that supplies East Dundee–based Apet Inc., a Petco supplier. Avian allies will urge shoppers to steer clear of the chain until it stops selling birds.

PETA’s three-month investigation revealed workers ripping live birds’ heads off, crushing parakeets’ necks, and leaving sick and injured birds to suffer for weeks without veterinary care. Nearly 10,000 parakeets were crammed into tiny, filthy cages—and nearly 1,400 birds were found dead in just 27 days.

“Sick and injured parakeets suffered for weeks in filthy, overcrowded cages at this squalid breeding facility while workers killed birds by ripping their heads off and crushing their necks,” says PETA Vice President Daniel Paden. “PETA is calling on Petco to help end this horror show by ending all live animal sales, and we urge everyone to never buy any animal from a pet store or breeder.”

Where:           Petco, 613 W. Roosevelt Rd. (at the intersection with South Jefferson Street), Chicago

When:             Wednesday, June 17, 12 noon

Why:               Parakeets—often called budgies—are small parrots native to Australia. They live in large flocks, are highly active, fly for miles daily, and enjoy climbing and bathing. They mate for life, show affection by preening one another, and in nature, only breed during the rainy season when food is plentiful to ensure survival.

Multiple PETA investigations into and whistleblower reports from facilities that supply birds, reptiles, rabbits, guinea pigs, gerbils, hamsters, and more to Petco and other big-box pet store chains have documented widespread cruelty, suffering, and neglect.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—points out that when it comes to the ability to feel pain, hunger, and thirst, a parakeet is a dog is a boy. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.