Voters in Lemon Grove, California, have taken a stand against the commercial bird trade by approving a ballot measure that bans the retail sale of birds in pet stores, according to local news.
The citizen-led initiative, Measure E, expands California’s rescue-only pet shop model to cover birds, allowing stores to facilitate adoptions through qualifying shelters and rescue organizations instead of selling birds sourced from breeders. Birds intended for agricultural use or backyard flocks are exempt from the ordinance.
The legislation will take effect upon official adoption, with enforcement beginning six months later.
Citing recurring bird welfare concerns documented in resident complaints and animal control inspection records, the city believes the measure will help reduce abandonment and improve the treatment of companion birds.
“Birds have complex care needs, and many species can live for decades,” said Dr. Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of San Diego Humane Society, which also supported Measure E. “Encouraging adoption provides an opportunity to connect families with the guidance and support needed to make a lasting commitment.”
Lemon Grove joins Washington, D.C., Cambridge, Massachusetts, and West Hollywood, California, in restricting the retail sale of birds and other animals in pet stores.
Lady Freethinker supporters helped bring Measure E before voters by funding a grant that supported Strategic Action for Animals’ efforts to collect signatures and rally local support.
Following the successful signature drive, the Lemon Grove City Council voted to place the initiative on the November ballot.
Birds sold in pet stores often begin life in cruel breeding facilities, where they are kept in barren cages and separated from their chicks shortly after hatching. Others are captured in the wild with glue-coated branches or nets, while chicks are pulled from nests and may be injured by inexperienced handlers.
Once purchased, birds are often isolated in small cages with little companionship or stimulation. When people lack the knowledge needed to meet their complex needs, birds can suffer neglect and abuse and develop self-harming behaviors linked to stress. Many are surrendered within just three years.
Birds are intelligent, sensitive, and social animals who deserve lives filled with companionship, enrichment, and freedom — not to be treated as disposable products, confined to cramped cages, and left to suffer in isolation.
Lady Freethinker applauds the residents of Lemon Grove, the City Council, Strategic Action for Animals, and all the advocates who helped make this victory possible. We hope this important step inspires more communities to reject the commercial bird trade and strengthen protections for these vulnerable animals.
