NY Live Animal Markets - Hotbeds of Cruelty and Zoonotic Disease

As avian influenza (bird flu) continues to spread across the United States and globally, animal advocates are sounding the alarm about the dire consequences of this zoonotic disease. Meanwhile, government responses remain dangerously inadequate given the scale of the crisis. To date, thousands of mammals and over 300 million birds have died worldwide from the virus. Alarmingly, bird flu is now infecting humans, with 67 reported cases in the United States as of February 2025, including one fatality in Louisiana.

According to the World Health Organization, the mortality rate for bird flu in humans is 54%, with some experts fearing the actual number may be even higher. For comparison, a study published by the National Institutes of Health found that COVID-19 had a 12.9% mortality rate during its first year—before vaccines were available. If bird flu continues to spread, the world faces the threat of an even deadlier pandemic.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it became clear that one of the most dangerous sources of transmission for zoonotic diseases between humans and animals is live animal markets and the CDC, WHO, and FAO have all spoken out on the risks associated with these types of establishments.

Recently, routine inspections detected bird flu in chickens at live markets in Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. In response, Governor Kathy Hochul temporarily shut down all live animal markets in New York for five days to allow for cleaning and disinfection. While this was a step in the right direction, it falls far short of what is necessary to protect public health and address the cruelty inherent in these establishments.

Live animal markets in New York confine chickens, goats, ducks, sheep, and rabbits in filthy, overcrowded cages before slaughtering them on-site for customers. These markets have long been the subject of complaints from nearby residents regarding unsanitary conditions and animal cruelty. New York Department of Agriculture and Markets inspection reports have documented horrifying findings, including:

• Dead birds caged with live ones

• Mold-contaminated animal feed

• Live bird cages heavily soiled with feces and feathers

• Dead animals left on sidewalks, causing unbearable odors

• Improper sanitation of killing implements

• Lack of handwashing sinks for workers

• Open doors to slaughter areas, exposing the public to graphic scenes

• Blood and maggots in trash cans on-site

Inside these markets, animals are crammed into cages stacked on top of one another, left to suffer as filth and feces from those above them rain down onto their feathers and bodies. They have nowhere to escape the stench, the waste, or the terror of what awaits them. Many hear the cries of others being slaughtered or witness the killing firsthand, creating immense psychological distress. These conditions not only inflict needless suffering on these innocent animals but also create a breeding ground for deadly zoonotic diseases.

The only way to truly reduce the risk these markets pose is to shut them down permanently.

Live animal markets should never have reopened after the COVID-19 pandemic. We are calling on Governor Hochul to make New York a leader in public health and animal welfare by closing them for good.

In 2024, New York City welcomed 65 million tourists from across the country and the world. The city also has over 80 live animal markets, if bird flu spreads through New York, it will quickly become a global crisis. New York City's tourism industry also brought in an estimated $79 billion to the state in 2024. If visitors no longer feel safe taking trips to New York City because it has become the epicenter of a horrific zoonotic disease the entire state will feel the economic repercussions. 

By shutting down these hotbeds of infection, Governor Hochul can protect human health, animal welfare and the economic prosperity of New York. 

Take Action Now

Join us in urging Governor Hochul to take decisive action by permanently closing live animal markets in New York for the sake of public safety, common sense policy, and compassion. We will be sending the following letter to Governor Hochul with a list of signatures of everyone who supports this change for the better. Add you name today!

Dear Governor Hochul,  

As avian influenza continues to spread across the United States, the threat of another deadly pandemic grows. Bird flu has already infected 67 people in the U.S., with a mortality rate of 54%, far deadlier than COVID-19. One of the most dangerous sources of transmission for zoonotic diseases between humans and animals is live animal markets, something that became alarmingly clear during the COVID-19 pandemic.

These markets in New York confine birds and other animals in overcrowded cages, where they are slaughtered on-site for consumers. Investigations and reports from nearby residents have documented horrifying conditions: dead birds left in cages with live ones, mold-contaminated animal feed, cages covered in feces and feathers, improper sanitation of killing tools, dead animals left on sidewalks, and blood and maggots in trash cans. Many of these animals suffer in terror, trapped in stacked cages where waste from those above them drips onto their bodies as they await slaughter. These markets are not only cruel but also breeding grounds for disease, putting public health at risk.

While your recent temporary closure of live animal markets was a step in the right direction, it does not go nearly far enough. The only way to truly protect human health and prevent further suffering is to shut these markets down permanently.

New York City welcomed 65 million tourists last year from across the country and the world. The city also has over 80 live animal markets, if bird flu spreads through New York it will become a global crisis. These tourists also contributed an estimated $79 billion to the state in 2024. If visitors no longer feel safe taking trips to New York City because it has become the epicenter of a horrific zoonotic disease the entire state will feel the economic repercussions. 

By closing live animal markets for good, you have the opportunity to make New York a leader in public health and animal welfare while protecting the economic prosperity of your state.

I urge you to take action now. Please make New York an example of compassion and common-sense policy by shutting down live animal markets once and for all.