AR-News: (US) CA residents, please help baby birds

[Jill Kiesow]

Please Urge Governor Gray Davis to Sign Bill Protecting Young Parrots


The California legislature has passed AB 202, a bill that will restrict the 
sale of unweaned baby birds. To become law, the legislation must be signed 
by Governor Gray Davis. Please contact Governor Davis today and urge him to 
sign this legislation protecting young parrots.

California law regulates many pet shop practices and prohibits the sale of 
very young or unweaned puppies. However, current laws do not protect young 
unweaned parrots despite the fact that their sale raises serious animal 
welfare and consumer protection concerns. When an inexperienced pet shop 
employee or customer attempts to hand-feed a young parrot, tragic 
complications can result, including infection, aspiration pneumonia, burned 
or punctured crops (stomachs), malnutrition, starvation, emotional and 
developmental deficiencies, or even death.

AB 202 requires that young parrots are able to eat on their own before 
purchasers take them home, and requires retailers who possess unweaned 
birds employ trained staff. These provisions ensure that AB 202 will 
protect young parrots from the stress and dangers of commercial trade, from 
untrained pet store employees, and will shield consumers from the emotional 
and financial costs of caring for a pet who has been sold at too young an 
age. The law will also be consistent with existing laws that prohibit the 
sale of other unweaned animals.

Please contact Governor Davis and urge him to sign into law legislation 
restricting the sale of unweaned birds.

Contact:
Governor Gray Davis
Office of the Governor
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 95814
916-445-2841
<mailto:Governor at governor.ca.gov>Governor at governor.ca.gov

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Sample Letter
Dear Governor Davis:
It has come to my attention that a law protecting young parrots in 
California (AB202) now awaits your signature. Please sign this important 
legislation into law.
AB 202 requires that young parrots are able to eat on their own before 
purchasers take them home, and requires retailers who possess unweaned 
birds employ trained staff. These provisions ensure that AB 202 will 
protect young parrots from the stress and dangers of commercial trade, from 
untrained pet store employees, and will shield consumers from the emotional 
and financial costs of caring for a pet who has been sold at too young an 
age. The law will also be consistent with existing laws that prohibit the 
sale of other unweaned animals.
Thank you. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
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Posted 08/29/03 - Okay to Forward/Crosspost

Posted by:
Animal Protection Institute
PO Box 22505
Sacramento, CA 95822
916-447-3085
www.api4animals.org
www.snowmonkey.org
www.chooseveggie.com
www.BanCruelTraps.com



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