PETA Statement re Temporary Shutdown of Live-Animal Markets

For Immediate Release:
February 7, 2025

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

New York –

Below, please find a statement from PETA President Ingrid Newkirk in response to Gov. Kathy Hochul ordering a temporary shutdown of live-animal markets following the bird flu outbreak:

A week-long shutdown of live-animal markets is a good first step, but with bird flu ripping through the country, half-measures are only half right. This is now a cross-species crisis, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of millions of chickens, turkeys, and cows, untold cats and sea mammals, and so far, one human. PETA is calling on Gov. Hochul to permanently ban live markets in New York as a lasting precaution against disease and a permanent reprieve for the stressed, injured, and sickly animals who are sold and slaughtered on-site.

PETA notes that dozens of live-animal markets and slaughterhouses operate in New York City, many near schools, parks, and residences. PETA and more than 50,000 PETA members and supporters have called on New York officials to end the live markets.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. PETA’s free vegan starter kit can help anyone looking to make the switch. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.