Urge Rhode Island Lawmakers to OPPOSE HB5214 - a Ban on the Sale of Birds in Pet Stores

• HB5214 would ban the sale of over 350 species of birds, including common companion birds such as parakeets, cockatiels, lovebirds, and parrots. Many of these species have been bred in captivity for generations and thrive as pets.
• Many pet shops source their birds from reputable breeders to ensure health and socialization. This ban would unfairly punish lawful businesses that follow all regulations and maintain high animal care standards.
• Pet stores provide a reliable, regulated, and transparent source for families looking to purchase a pet bird. Banning sales in stores will drive potential owners to unregulated online sellers or illegal markets, increasing the risk of poor animal welfare and scams.
• Pet shops play a crucial role in educating new bird owners about proper care, diet, enrichment, and veterinary needs. Without this resource, new bird owners may struggle to find credible information, potentially leading to poor bird care.
• There is no data showing that banning the sale of birds in pet stores improves their welfare. 
• By prohibiting pet stores from selling birds from breeders, HB5214 unfairly singles out small businesses and responsible breeders while doing nothing to address potential concerns about bird welfare from unregulated bird rescues.
• People will still seek to own birds, but without access to reputable pet stores, they may turn to backyard breeders or online sellers with no oversight, leading to unintended negative consequences.
• This bill threatens jobs in Rhode Island’s pet industry, including pet store employees, breeders, and suppliers, while reducing tax revenue generated from legal pet sales.
• Instead of banning pet store sales, Rhode Island should focus on policies that promote responsible breeding and ownership through education, transparency, and enforcement of existing animal welfare laws.

Your URGENT ACTION is needed! The Committee hearing is tomorrow, February 4th, 2025!