MAARS’ philosophical and political positions are best summed up by the Principles of the Avian Welfare Coalition:

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  Peaches, Moluccan Cockatoo

  We do not breed or place birds with people who breed.
• We do not sell, trade, or use birds in our care for commerce or profit.
• We promote responsible guardianship of all captive birds.
• We promote education on all issues of avian welfare.
• We oppose the sale of unweaned baby birds and production breeding methods.
• We oppose the mass-marketing and selling of birds through pet store chains, bird marts, and internet venues.
• We maintain that all captive breeding contributes to the displacement and suffering of captive birds and, with very few exceptions, does not contribute to the viable preservation of species.
• We support and encourage responsible legislation protecting the rights, health, and safety of birds living in captivity.
• We strongly oppose legal/illegal exportation/importation and encourage all countries to adopt legislation, enforcement, and conservation policies to prevent wild birds from entering captivity.