YOU Can Help: When Radical is Responsible
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Do you want to prevent the mistreatment and suffering of captive birds? |
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Do you believe that birds have a basic right to humane treatment consistent with their unique social and physical needs? |
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Do you advocate for improvements and changes to the traditional and accepted practices in aviculture and the pet trade that do not serve the best interests of birds? |
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Do you support efforts that will provide rescue, sanctuary, and adoption for birds who become displaced? |
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Do you wish to promote a greater understanding of the true nature of birds among our society? |
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Do you want to endorse responsible legislation that will provide more protection for birds living in captivity and in their natural habitats? |
Radical…or Just Plain Responsible?
If your goal is to advocate for the best interests of captive birds … if you seek changes to the "traditional, accepted practices" of the pet industry and aviculture that are detrimental to the welfare of birds … if you believe that social awareness about the true nature of birds will translate into greater respect and protection for all birds in the wild and in captivity … then count yourself among the growing number of concerned and responsible bird lovers who share the goals of bringing about "radical and fundamental" changes in the status quo of how parrots and other captive birds are regarded in our society.
The responsibility and power to improve the lives of birds everywhere lies with all of us who share our lives with these magnificent creatures of the wild. Whether you already live with birds, support their preservation in the wild, or want more protection for birds in captivity, YOU can DO your part in achieving these goals!
Already living with birds and want to keep them happier and healthier?
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DO read up on the latest in avian nutrition, behavior, and medicine. |
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DO create an environment in your home to accommodate your bird's special social and physical needs. |
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DO provide him/her with plenty of toys and enrichment activities. |
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DO keep your bird's environment free of toxic substances and household hazards. |
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DO provide a bird-safe area where he/she can enjoy free flight. |
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DO provide him/her the daily companionship of humans and other birds of their species. |
Know of a bird who is not being well-cared-for?
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DO politely try to educate his/her caretaker on the special needs of birds. |
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DO offer to provide assistance to caretakers who may not be able to care for their birds due to medical or financial constraints. |
Know of a pet store that is providing substandard care for birds?
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DO try to first politely speak with the store management about improving the situation. |
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DO contact the corporate offices of pet store chains to report cases of substandard care. |
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DO report cases of abuse, neglect, or unsanitary conditions to your local humane law enforcement authorities and/or the health department. |
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DO submit a Pet Store Watch form through the AWC web site. |
Want to help birds in need?
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DO offer to assist and provide resources to your local humane society, animal shelter, or animal control agency for birds in need at their facilities. |
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DO foster or care for birds at your local avian rescue facility or animal shelter. |
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DO report cases of abuse or neglect to your local humane enforcement authorities. |
Want to support preservation of birds in the wild and their natural habitats?
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DO encourage your legislators to support responsible legislation to stop the legal and illegal trade in wild-caught birds. |
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DO advocate for conservation programs intended to protect birds in the wild and their natural habitats. |
and most importantly…
Want to help stop the cycle of birds that become displaced?
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Don't breed, don't buy, but ADOPT a bird already in need! |
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DO purchase pet supplies from retailers that don't sell birds or other live animals, and encourage your local pet supply stores to provide opportunities for bird adoption. |
Want more protection for birds in the pet trade?
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DO encourage your legislators to include birds in important proposed protective animal welfare legislation. |
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DO support or initiate responsible legislation that will provide more protection for birds in the pet trade. |
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Do Take Action to Strengthen Pet Shop Laws! |