1360 University Ave W #347 · St. Paul, MN 55104
Phone: (651) 275-0568 · Fax: (651) 275-0457
E-mail: birds@maars2.org
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1360 University Ave W #347 · St. Paul, MN 55104 Phone: (651) 275-0568 · Fax: (651) 275-0457 E-mail: birds@maars2.org |
| Captive Bird Rescue, Adoption, Sanctuary & Care Education | MAARSianChronicles |
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Home > News & Events > MAARSianChronicles > Issue 10: December 2004 > Take Action for Avian Welfare: 3rd Annual National Bird Day – January 5, 2005 Take Action for Avian Welfare
The Animal Protection Institute (API) in coordination with the Avian Welfare Coalition (AWC) is calling on activists around the U.S. to take action on behalf of captive birds by drawing attention to the exploitation of other country's native birds by the U.S. pet industry on January 5 — National Bird Day. National Bird Day is not only a good day to take time to appreciate the native wild birds flying free outside our windows, it is also a perfect time to reflect on how we treat the native birds of other countries. While we have enacted laws to protect our native birds — such as blue jays, cardinals, and crows — from commercial exploitation, we fail to recognize the inconsistency in allowing the pet industry to exploit the birds of other countries. Even when bred in captivity, exotic birds are not considered domesticated animals, and all their inherent behavioral and physical needs remain intact. Sadly, when it comes to birds, deprivation of their natural behaviors (to fly and flock, for example) is an inescapable component of their captivity. Each year thousands of birds are sold into the pet trade to individuals who are under the mistaken impression that a bird will make a perfect pet. Eventually, whether due to frustration, disinterest, or concern, many people attempt to rid themselves of the responsibility of caring for their birds. Unfortunately, few of these birds will find a loving home, and most will spend their days isolated and confined to their cages. Others will bounce from home to home as their caretakers tire of them, and some may be abandoned at local shelters and birds rescues, set free to fend for themselves or euthanized. Meanwhile pet stores across the country including Petco and PetsMart continue to treat birds like merchandise peddling them into the pet trade. The in-store care of animals in pet shops is always suspect because store managers are often faced with conflicting responsibilities of caring for animals, even when the animals are sick, and making a store profitable. Since the cost of veterinary care can easily exceed the commercial value of an animal, common sense leads to the conclusion that profits and animal care inherently conflict, especially in a retail environment. You Can Help! Join API, the Avian Welfare Coalition, and other animal advocates across the country in celebrating the third annual National Bird Day — a day of action for captive birds — by helping to educate the public about issues affecting captive birds. Take Action!
Let Us Know Your Plans! API and the AWC would like to compile a list of activities complete with contact information so that interested people team up to participate in planned leafleting and tabling events in their area. So once you have decided what you want to do, e-mail Monica Engebretson at monica@api4animals.org so we can add your action to our list of participants and activities. If you get a letter to the editor published in a newspaper please let us know and send a copy if possible to API, P.O. Box 22505, Sacramento, CA 95822 Click here for more information and to learn what YOU can do to celebrate and support National Bird Day on January 5! For more information on exotic bird issues visit www.AvianWelfare.org and www.MoreBeautifulWild.com.
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