The macaw, skunk or ocelot are some of the exotic animals that the Spaniards acquired. however, several experts reminded EFE that having such species, many of which are invasive, affects biodiversity, public health and even citizen safety.
In order to limit the particularly illegal possession and trade of such animals, the Foundation for Advice and Action in the Defense of Animals (FAADA), the National Association for Animal Defense (ANDA) or the APP (For the Protection and Protection of Animals, Dutch acronym) Primadomus Positive List Coalition.
It is a targeted project. define “what can and cannot be found in the house”, According to ANDA director Alberto Díez, because, although there are negative animal lists, they are “not very effective when implemented” according to him, “because they are longer and are always one step behind: making a list with animals is easier for us to have.”
A scientific committee will decide on the various characteristics of the species to be included in this list. such as the danger they may represent as an animal, their ability to transmit disease, or the ease with which they invade and colonize the natural environment, “an owner who owns an animal of a species that has been banned before the publication of this list may retain it.” at home until he dies of old age.
APP Director Primadomus adds that this initiative, which is similar to the proposal in other European countries such as Belgium, has a “preventive approach that addresses all the problems produced by exotics from a single tool” and enables better defense of animal rights. Martha Merchan.
Positive List Coalition, further develop the message of animal and conservation associations Since 1997, every 10 December has been celebrating International Animal Rights Day.
In the case of APP Primadomus, among its facilities 130 to 150 exotic mammals among primates and felines from “fun, basically circuses”Merchán concedes that they are also very difficult to release because of private property and illegal smuggling and “could become an invasive species if they enter nature and adapt.”
Another collection center for this species is on Ave Fénix, where the birds come for a variety of reasons, including “abandonment because the birds get it when they’re small and when they’re older they don’t like it anymore, screams”. manager and founder, Gladys Freginals, explains them because they’re irritating, dirty, expensive to maintain,” or “marriage breakups.”
This organization is currently interested 337 birds from 32 different species, “it’s a monstrous figure we couldn’t get help with” and many because they came in with problems because they “kicked cages to shut it down or came in hairless due to stress and malnutrition”.
Moreover, “it is difficult to find a suitable house for medium and large sizes”because the majority of their owners “do not meet the necessary conditions that the animal needs”.
Ave Fénix and APP Primadomus, responsible for both centres, agree that one of the main challenges is the prior ignorance of citizens when purchasing an exotic pet, as they are “often unaware of the issues or care involved”.