Rhode Island debates bill impacting pet bird sales and local businesses

Rhode Island's Senate Committee on Environment & Agriculture meeting on March 19, 2025, spotlighted a contentious bill aimed at regulating the sale of pet birds, particularly parrots. Advocates for local pet stores and breeders voiced strong opposition to the proposed legislation, arguing it unfairly targets responsible businesses while failing to address concerns about unregulated bird rescues.

During the meeting, representatives from the pet industry emphasized that Rhode Island's pet stores and licensed breeders are already highly regulated by the USDA under the Animal Welfare Act. They highlighted the importance of these businesses in providing educational resources and support for families looking to adopt pet birds, which include over 400 species like parakeets and lovebirds. "These stores are a trusted source for families," one speaker noted, stressing their role in ensuring the health and well-being of the animals.

Critics of the bill, including local business owners, warned of severe economic repercussions if the legislation passes. They argued that banning the sale of birds would not only harm pet stores but also impact breeders, suppliers, and the state's tax revenue. "Without these businesses, the community would lose a vital resource for pet care," one speaker stated, referencing Jungle Junction, a local pet store with over 35 years of operation.

The proposed legislation also seeks to restrict public exhibitions of these birds, which advocates argue would deprive Rhode Islanders of educational opportunities about avian species and their ecological importance. "Taking this access away would limit our understanding of these crucial animals," a representative from the American Federation of Native Culture remarked.

As the committee deliberates, stakeholders are urging lawmakers to reconsider the bill and explore alternative measures that would enhance protections for birds while supporting local businesses. The outcome of this meeting could significantly impact Rhode Island's pet industry and the future of avian companionship in the state.