Dear Parrots magazine,
Rhode Island legislation
In the April issue I read with great interest about legislation that was being put through at Rhode Island in the United Sates to stop certain pet shops and suppliers from selling parrots. In the article it does say that some pet shops and sellers would still be able to sell birds, but my understanding is that this legislation is targeted at the unscrupulous who regard birds as goods without any concern for their care.
There are still too many ‘wheelers and dealers’ in the bird hobby selling birds purely for profit with total disregard for their well-being, and this must be controlled. I say controlled because it would be wrong to completely stop the selling of birds because there are many people who would love to have the companionship of a parrot, and who have the right environment and intentions to keep one in a caring and loving home.
Over the years, I have seen and heard many sellers trying to convince a potential buyer that the bird they are selling is fine and in good condition when some of them I have seen clearly weren’t. And the sellers had no basic understanding of animal welfare and consider selling parrots is the same as selling any other items for a quick buck.
I totally support Megan Cutter in her endeavours to ensure that birds are sold by the right people to the right people without putting a complete block on selling birds.
Caroline McMillan, by email