05/27/2026
NYC ACTION ALERT: Oppose NYC Intro 0912-2026
Protect Responsible Aviculture and Pet Bird Ownership in New York City
The New York City Council has introduced Intro 0912-2026, a proposal that would ban the sale of birds in pet shops throughout New York City.
If passed, this legislation would prohibit pet stores from displaying, offering for sale, transferring, or selling pet birds including parrots, cockatiels, parakeets, finches, macaws, and many other companion bird species.
This proposal is another step in the growing effort by animal rights organizations to eliminate responsible aviculture and restrict the public’s ability to own and enjoy birds.
The American Federation of Aviculture (AFA) strongly opposes legislation that unfairly targets responsible bird owners, ethical breeders, hobbyists, educators, and small businesses.
Why This Matters
Responsible aviculture:
* Supports conservation and education
* Promotes proper bird care and husbandry
* Provides healthy, domestically bred companion birds
* Supports families, hobbyists, educators, and small businesses
* Encourages public appreciation and understanding of birds
Banning bird sales in pet shops will not improve animal welfare. Instead, it:
* Hurts responsible businesses
* Reduces public access to properly cared-for companion birds
* Pushes consumers toward unregulated sources
* Undermines responsible aviculture and educational outreach
TAKE ACTION NOW
We encourage all bird owners, breeders, clubs, exhibitors, pet businesses, veterinarians, and aviculture supporters to respectfully contact the New York City Council and voice opposition to Intro 0912-2026.
Ask council members to:
* Oppose Intro 0912-2026
* Support responsible aviculture and pet ownership
* Work with stakeholders on reasonable animal welfare solutions rather than outright bans
Suggested Message
I respectfully urge you to oppose NYC Intro 0912-2026. Responsible aviculture plays an important role in education, conservation, and companion animal care. This proposal unfairly impacts responsible bird owners, breeders, educators, and small businesses while doing little to improve animal welfare. Please oppose this legislation and support balanced, reasonable policies instead of broad bans on bird sales.
Current Status
* Introduced: May 20, 2026
* Referred to: NYC Council Committee on Health
Learn More
NYC Council Intro 0912-2026 Official Page
CLICK LINK BELOW
https://legistar.council.nyc.gov/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=8034428&GUID=CB4881CA-E8FF-4E89-9DC1-F9D18FD964EE&utm_source=chatgpt.com
NYC Council Committee on Health
Contact Information for Intro 0912-2026 Opposition Outreach
The following members currently serve on the NYC Council Committee on Health, where Intro 0912-2026 has been referred.
Council Member Position Email
Lynn Schulman Chair [email protected]
Christopher Marte Member / Bill Sponsor [email protected]
Harvey Epstein Member / Bill Sponsor [email protected]
James F. Gennaro Member [email protected]
Selvena N. Brooks-Powers Member [email protected]
Joann Ariola Member [email protected]
Simcha Felder Member [email protected]
Mercedes Narcisse Member [email protected]
Carl Wilson Member [email protected]
Additional Bill Sponsors
Council Member Email
Shahana Hanif [email protected]
Gale A. Brewer [email protected]
General NYC Council Contact Directory
NYC Council Contact List
CLICK LINK BELOW
https://rules.cityofnewyork.us/agency-guidance-documents/city-councilmember-contact-list/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Committee Information
NYC Council Committee on Health
CLICK LINK BELOW
https://council.nyc.gov/committees/health/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
The American Federation of Aviculture, Inc. (AFA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization established in 1974, represents all aspects of aviculture through education, conservation, and responsible bird ownership advocacy. Learn more at afabirds.org