ANNAPOLIS, Md. — A recent Change.org petition is calling for Maryland lawmakers to ban the retail sale of parrots in pet stores. The petition argues that owning an exotic pet is not always easy and that parrots are especially challenging due to their diet and exceptionally long lifespan. Now, the petition seeks to restrict the ability to adopt parrots from certain businesses in Maryland.
The latest petition on Change.org is sitting at 329 signatures as of Aug. 12, 2026. The petition explains that it wants the state of Maryland to ban the sale of parrots in retail pet stores while still allowing residents to adopt from reputable breeders and animal shelters.
“We are calling on Maryland lawmakers to prohibit the sale of parrots in retail pet stores while continuing to allow responsible parrot ownership, adoption through reputable rescues, and placement through ethical breeders,” reads the petition.
The petition argues that pet owners often buy parrots as an impulse purchase due to how widely available they are throughout pet shops. According to the petition, parrots can live for over 50 years and require intense care to maintain an adequate lifestyle, and they’re routinely rehomed and placed in shelters.
The petition states that parrots are very intelligent animals and require mental stimulation, plenty of room to live, and most importantly, a special diet. It argues that pet owners don’t always do their research before purchasing a parrot and claims that retail pet stores often don’t provide enough information before sending each bird to a new home.
Would This Petition Ban Parrots in Maryland?
The petition repeatedly states that it isn’t seeking to ban pet parrots entirely, but rather it would restrict how Maryland residents adopt their next feathered friend. Under the changes sought by the petition, pet stores would be able to work with shelters to promote parrots in need without directly making a profit.
“This proposal would not ban parrots as pets. It would not punish responsible owners, rescues, or ethical breeders. Its purpose is to remove parrots from retail environments that encourage convenient, unplanned purchases and replace that system with one centered on education, screening, responsible placement, and long-term welfare,” reads the petition.
The petition states that many shelters and specialized breeders ask thorough questions and communicate the needs of a parrot before signing off on an adoption. According to the petition, these enhanced screening measures allow gatekeepers to prepare a new owner before an animal steps foot in its next home.
The latest petition aims to reduce animal suffering and equip up-and-coming parrot owners with the right information before they add a new pet to their family — promoting what supporters believe would be a happier existence for the entire household.
Marylanders can visit Change.org to learn more.
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