Activists are urging Governor Kathy Hochul to shut down live poultry markets in New York City for good after visiting four recently reopened locations. Councilmember Robert Holden, along with animal activists and Republican mayoral hopeful Curtis Sliwa, expressed concerns over the conditions of the markets. Despite a recent closure and cleaning due to avian bird flu concerns, Holden reported that conditions remained abhorrent, with birds in poor health and unsanitary surroundings.
Holden described the scenes at the live poultry markets as horrifying, with birds lacking feathers, open wounds, and bleeding. He visited several locations in Brooklyn where birds were being kept in cages on the street, resulting in unsanitary conditions such as yellow guck, likely feces, and blood on the street. The councilmember, who no longer eats chicken after witnessing the conditions at live markets a year ago, questioned why these establishments were allowed to operate in crowded areas such as New York City.
Animal rights activist Edita Birnkrant raised concerns about the insufficient testing of birds for avian flu at the markets visited by Holden. She explained that a state emergency order only requires testing of 30 random birds from a large flock, potentially leaving thousands of birds untested. Birnkrant criticized the lack of adequate testing, calling it worse than doing nothing as it deceives the public into thinking their safety is being prioritized.
Holden sent a letter to Governor Hochul calling for a comprehensive review of live bird markets in the city to prevent potential health crises associated with avian influenza. He emphasized his belief that no living thing should suffer and that the birds in these markets were clearly suffering. Holden and other activists are calling for the shutdown of live markets in New York City to ensure the well-being of the animals and prevent public health risks.
Governor Hochul’s office responded to the concerns raised by stating that the State Department of Agriculture and Markets would conduct routine inspections of live bird markets for avian flu. The state has also strengthened oversight of these markets to detect sick birds before they enter the stores. Hochul’s office reiterated that New York State will continue its coordinated efforts to prevent the spread of avian flu and protect public health.
In conclusion, activists are calling for the closure of live poultry markets in New York City due to concerns over animal welfare and public health risks. Despite recent closures and cleaning processes, conditions at the markets were reported to remain unsanitary and harmful to the birds. Calls for comprehensive reviews and stricter oversight of live markets are being made to ensure the well-being of the animals and prevent the spread of avian flu. Governor Hochul’s office has responded by increasing inspections and oversight, but activists continue to push for the permanent shutdown of live poultry markets in the city.
