Rhode Island Lawmakers Revive Controversial Parrot Sales Ban

Rhode Island is once again attempting to ban the sale of parrots in pet stores with a bill that not all bird lovers are happy to see.

The bill, H7334, would make it illegal for pet stores to sell psittacine birds (parrots, parakeets, lovebirds and 400 other species) obtained from breeders or brokers. The intent is to address breeding concerns as well as overburden shelters when impulse buy parrots are surrendered.

While those sound like noble ideas, not everyone in Rhode Island's avian community thinks this bill should pass.

What is Rhode Island House Bill H7334?

The H7334 bill, introduced on January 28, 2026, by Rep. Megan Cotter, an Exeter Democrat, would make it illegal for pet stores to sell psittacine birds obtained through breeders or brokers.

READ MORE: Meet Fall River's Foul-Mouthed Parrot, Hendrix

It does have provisions that allow for adoption events at pet stores where parrots and other birds can be placed in homes, but those birds must be sourced from animal care facilities or animal rescues.

How is RI H7334 Different From Previous Bills?

The new bird bill proposed in the Rhode Island House is very similar to a bill that was proposed by Rep. Cotter in January 2025. That bill, H5214, died in committee last June after the House Committee on Corporations recommended it be held for further study.

Rep. Cotter's new bill seems to have added wording that allows for the display of birds as part of state or county fair exhibitions or as part of 4-H and educational programs.

Why Do Bird Lovers Oppose RI H7334?

Despite the changes and good intentions to the new bill, the same opponents still feel it doesn't solve the problem.

While the intent of H7334 is to protect psittacine birds from inhumane breeding conditions or abandonment to already overburdened animal rescues by those unprepared to properly care for them, the result could be something much worse.

What Happens When Parrot Sales Are Made Illegal?

Many feel that prohibiting pet stores from selling these species of birds legally only pushes buyers to find unlicensed online sellers or black-market dealers instead.

Eliminating the regulated supply chain for these sought after birds could in turn increase the risks to both birds and consumers.

READ MORE: Fall River Photographer Captures Young Bald Eagles at Play

Still there is a Rhode Island animal rescue dedicated entirely to parrots, which shows just how often these birds are surrendered in the Ocean State.

Do Parrots Make Good Pets?

Though parrots, parakeets, lovebirds and other psittacine birds are excellent companions, they have very special health care needs and live incredibly long lives. Owners need to be committed for a long relationship with their feather friends before making any impulse buys.

Keep scrolling to see some of the birds the Rhode Island Parrot Rescue has offered over the years.