In New Delhi, India, a high court acknowledged that birds have the fundamental right to live with dignity and to fly freely without being trapped in a cage and subjected to cruelty.

The decision was made regarding a case in which a number of birds were rescued from a man who was keeping them in small cages and selling them for profit.

Justice Manmohan Singh expressed that instead of being allowed to fly free, they were “exported illegally to foreign countries without availability of proper food, water or medical aid. I am clear in mind that all the birds have fundamental rights to fly in the sky and all human beings have no right to keep them in small cages for the purposes of their business or otherwise,” the judge said.

As much as I adore my budgies and love their companionship, I would prefer that they lived in a world where they were free. I know that with me they are free from hunger, drought and predators, yet when Cooper looks out the window, I can’t help but feel guilty that she will never know what it is like to take to the sky. This is one of the reasons why we no longer buy from breeders or pet shops, and now adopt.

I know there are  many bird owners out there who adore, pamper and give their birds the very best of care. But there are just too many who mistreat, neglect and abandon their pets. Perhaps someday all birds will no longer be born in captivity and will be able to fly freely. Wouldn’t that be lovely…