Earlier this year, Governor Hochul ordered the temporary shutdown of live bird markets in several counties in the southern part of New York State after documented cases of avian influenza in the state. Live markets are crowded, dirty, and a breeding ground for disease and they are located in neighborhoods, including many in New York City. At Woodstock Farm Sanctuary, we have rescued many birds directly from these markets and can testify that they are always sick, sometimes so sick that they die soon after being rescued. It is good that the State Government is finally recognizing the risk live markets pose to public health, especially as regards avian flu.

However, with new variants of the avian flu being detected in birds, cows, cats, and humans, we are concerned that this temporary shutdown doesn't go far enough to keep everyone, including domesticated birds and wildlife, safe. In the coming weeks, Tractor Supply stores throughout the state will display and sell baby chicks and ducklings who have been shipped to them from massive hatcheries to individuals for backyard flocks. There is a major risk of the spread of avian flu at Tractor Supply stores and in backyards.

With the rising cost of eggs, we are very concerned that unprepared people will impulse-buy chicks for backyard eggs, just like we saw in 2020 at the start of the Covid pandemic. We've seen time and time again that impulse-buying chicks and ducklings often leads to their neglect and abandonment. This time, it could also lead to the acceleration of a public health crisis.

Read more about the consequences of impulse-buying chicks.

Help us reach our goal of 2,000 signatures to let Governer Hochul know that the ban on selling live birds must continue and expand to include retail stores like Tractor Supply.

SIGN BELOW BY TO ASK GOV. HOCHUL TO STOP LIVE CHICK AND DUCKLING SALES IN NEW YORK!