Lemon Grove Voters Approve Measure E to Restrict Bird Sales in Pet Stores
Voters in Lemon Grove, California, have overwhelmingly approved Measure E, a new ordinance that prohibits retail pet stores from selling birds unless they are sourced from qualified animal shelters, humane societies, or nonprofit rescue organizations. The measure passed with approximately 66% of ballots cast in favor, according to early election results. This initiative, spearheaded by Strategic Action for Animals, aims to extend protections to birds similar to existing California law, which since 2019 has required pet stores to offer only rescue dogs, cats, and rabbits. Amit Dhuleshia, executive director of Strategic Action for Animals, highlighted that birds, particularly parrots and other companion birds, are intelligent, social, and long-lived, often living for decades. Despite these characteristics, they continue to be mass-bred for retail sale, while bird rescues in the region are at capacity. The new measure includes an exemption for poultry sold for agricultural purposes, and existing pet stores wi...
