28/04/2021
As many birds as rescues take in and try to help in general, while attitudes, beliefs and laws remain unchanged, the cycle will continue... too many birds to be able to help, too many birds suffering invisibly.
Every bird rescue/sanctuary/activist I know or know of, does an incredible job in what are often distressing, emotionally and financially crippling situations. These people take in birds - the unwanted, the uncared for, sick, injured, incapacitated, those with behavioural and emotional issues, and any other in need - and do what they can to give them the best and healthiest life possible.
But so many birds are turned away because there are so many... Not through lack of care by rescues, but lack of ability, due to an industry swamped in unregulated breeding and uneducated, misinformed or irresponsible owners (there are many wonderful people who love and care for their animals well; this isn't about them). In their lifetime, parrots will be rehomed on average 7 times.
The things listed in the image are the most common reasons I get, and know other rescues get, for birds being rehomed or surrendered.
This is why I believe changes are needed. Because it's not for human convenience; it's for birds' welfare.
Would you support any of these?
- licence necessary (after passing simple test covering basic needs) for the keeping of birds
- ban on people under a certain age buying birds
- ban on sale of certain products (or at the very least adding labels/warnings to products where necessary)
- similar regulations on bird breeding as applied to dogs and cats (in some countries)
What (other) changes would you support?
To all rescuers out there, you're champions ❤️