Dear John,

The Animal Welfare Act (AWA) is our country’s primary animal protection law. Though flawed, as it creates only minimum standards for certain animals and its enforcement is frequently criticized for allowing inhumane practices to go unchecked, the law still provides critical protections. However, the USDA has excluded all birds from protection under the AWA despite them plainly qualifying as warm-blooded animals generally protected by the law — but that could change with your help.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is currently considering AWA regulations for birds not bred for research. For the first time, birds abused and neglected by commercial breeders, the entertainment industry, and roadside zoos — as well as wild birds captured for use in research — could receive important legal protections.

Join us in urging the USDA to strengthen the AWA and create humane standards for all birds who qualify under the law by signing your name here by October 28th.

Every year, countless birds suffer in “bird mills,” bred to be sold into the pet trade. These birds are kept in tiny, squalid cages, unable to fly or engage in their natural behaviors. Denied any environmental enrichment or adequate socialization, these birds often experience lifelong psychological and physical illnesses.

Help curb these abuses by urging the USDA to protect birds exploited by commercial breeders and other cruel industries.

Thank you for your compassion.