06/22/2021
I had to go to a pet store for some supplies today. I went in there feeling apprehensive, left feeling gutted but not overly surprised.
Walking around the store I saw tiny cages, 30cm at most, with plastic perches. There was a canary in a slightly bigger cage for sale, again with plastic perches.
And while I was waiting to pay, there was a couple in front of me obviously excited about a new bird. The cage they were purchasing must look like a mansion to anyone who doesn't know better - tall and slim with a curved roof. Lovely to look at, a nightmare for the bird, especially if locked in full time (or most of the time).
The worst thing is, this was a bird speciality store, and a reputable one. If we can't trust stores like this to educate on proper bird care, who can we trust?
No bird, or any other animal, is a 'product' to be purchased on a whim, for your own enjoyment, without knowing their needs and meeting these wherever possible.
Any animal you bring into your family, is a life you are taking responsibility for.
I know the vast majority of people who read this will know this already, and those who have animals treat them with the love and care they deserve. These are the lucky ones... Sadly so many others aren't this fortunate. I'm hoping that more people who need to see and read these things will be reached.
Some changes to animal welfare legislation have been announced, including harsher penalties on perpetrators of animal abuse, and lifetime bans. This is amazing but does not specifically apply to birds - I'm not sure whether there are any changes for pet birds.
The Netherlands is banning cages/enclosures which do not allow the animal to exhibit natural behaviours. This is amazing progress, and what we need to push for.