Rhode Island bill would bar pet-store parrot sales unless sourced from rescues

A House bill introduced by Rep. Megan Cotter (D–Exeter) would make it illegal for Rhode Island pet stores to sell psittacine birds obtained from breeders or brokers, while explicitly allowing stores to place birds sourced from animal rescues or animal care facilities. FUN107 reported H7334 was introduced on Jan. 28, 2026, and the House Corporations Committee held a hearing on the bill on Feb. 11 before voting to hold it for further study.

The bill text, as described in reporting, would permit adoption events at pet stores provided parrots and other birds are sourced from rescues or animal-care facilities, and it would add language allowing displays at state or county fairs, 4-H and other educational programs. Providence Journal coverage noted H7334 also includes a one-year grace period for pet stores to sell birds already in their possession and prescribes a $1,000 fine for violations.

A companion Senate measure, S0398, was described by OPABIRDS as a broader proposal that would ban all birds in the order Psittaciformes from sale in pet shops. OPABIRDS lists Senators Murray, Urso, DiMario, Gallo, and Valverde as sponsors and says S0398 has been assigned to the Senate Environment & Agriculture Committee. Sources differ on how many species would be affected: OPABIRDS estimates over 350 species, while FUN107 and commentator Mark Hagen reference "over 400 other species."

Animal-welfare groups including PETA and World Animal Protection appear among stakeholders supporting restrictions, and supporters argue the measure addresses birds bred in poor conditions and impulse purchases that overburden shelters and rescues. FUN107 summarized proponents’ intent to steer potential owners toward rescue placements rather than breeder-sourced retail purchases.

Opposition has come from pet-store owners, aviculture hobbyists, trade-aligned groups and legal counsel for an organization identified as OPA. David A. Garcia, legal counsel for OPA, told the Providence Journal: "Make no mistake: measures of this kind are part of a broader effort to eliminate the keeping of pet birds in the United States and, ultimately, restrict the commercial availability of companion animals more broadly. That is government overreach unsupported by demonstrated public demand. Americans value their pets and do not want to see them regulated out of their lives." Garcia also argued, "Rhode Island does not face a documented crisis of pet bird overpopulation or systemic enforcement failure. A categorical retail ban is neither targeted nor evidence based."

Local businesses have pushed back as well. Ducharme of Jungle Junction wrote in defense of the shop: "For more than three decades Jungle Junction has responsibly provided hand-fed baby parrots to families throughout Rhode Island and New England. We are proud to employ Rhode Island taxpayers, contribute to the economy and operate under long-standing reputable business practices." Commentators such as Mark Hagen, M.Ag., warned in an op-ed that licensed breeders "follow rigorous standards under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA)" and cautioned that prohibiting pet stores from procuring birds from ethical breeders would eliminate a transparent supply chain.

H7334 follows a nearly identical 2025 proposal, H5214, which FUN107 reported was introduced in January 2025 and died in committee after being held for further study last June. With the Feb. 11 hearing concluded and the House Corporations Committee holding H7334 for further study, the two bills now sit in committee, H7334 in the House Corporations Committee and S0398 in the Senate Environment & Agriculture Committee, leaving the status of retail parrot sales in Rhode Island unsettled as supporters and opponents continue to press their positions.