A great opportunity to make a difference for animals

Urge Pierce County Council members to protect exotic birds. Act today! Public hearing tomorrow, August 8!

Each year millions of exotic birds suffer, even die, on their journey to exhibits, circuses, pet shops, animal dealers, and hobby and commercial breeders. If they survive, they often end up in the hands of those who don’t understand their needs. These birds usually endure a life of boredom and malnutrition in cramped cages.

A 1998 article appearing in the Journal of the American Veterinarian Medical Association, which referenced the most extensive demographic study of pet birds conducted to date, reported the U.S. pet bird population at 35–40 million. Because there is little regulation of import, production, or sale of these animals, they're fairly easy to obtain and breed. Incomprehensive federal legislation and weak Washington State laws do little to protect exotic pet birds.

A local example of an exotic bird market gone grossly unchecked is Scudder’s Parrot Depot in Roy, Washington (Pierce County). The facility houses hundreds of exotic birds, including endangered species. Since 1999, many complaints have been made regarding the facility’s filthy conditions, dead or deformed birds, overcrowded incubators, and general neglect. Concerns about the breeding facility have been raised again in numerous news reports over the last nine months. To date, no action has been taken to stop this inhumane treatment.

What is taking place on August 8?

Prompted by the cruel and inhumane conditions reported at Scudder’s Parrot Depot, Pierce County Council member Barbara Gelman is proposing an ordinance that would require inspections and licensing for aviaries selling or transferring title of more than 30 birds a year. However, council member Dick Muri, whose district includes Scudder’s Parrot Depot, wants no licensing ordinance. Instead, he is proposing setting up a committee—whose membership would be heavily weighted toward the bird-breeding industry with no animal welfare groups represented—to advise the county council on public health issues related to bird breeding. This committee would carry no responsibility for establishing or enforcing regulations. On August 8, both Gelman and Muri’s proposals will be discussed at a public hearing before the Public Safety and Human Services Committee. The full council will decide whether to take up the issue. Read the recent article in Tacoma’s News Tribune.

What can you do to help?

Contact the Pierce County Council members, especially if you live in Pierce County, and tell them that Gelman’s ordinance is critical to protect these highly intelligent and sensitive animals from neglect. Let them know that you are aware of the appalling and unacceptable conditions described at Scudder’s Parrot Depot. Be sure to thank Barbara Gelman for her tenacity in pushing for this essential legislation. If you can, attend the public hearing on August 8. (See the committee meeting schedule.

Thank you for speaking out for the protection of exotic birds across Pierce County.