Recent approval of a new Animal Welfare Law has sparked widespread discussion and debate since its presentation. The law introduces several prohibitions and obligations that have generated varied reactions on social media. Among the most discussed points are a mandatory dog ownership course that has faced strong opposition, and controversial provisions such as bans on using animals in cradles, parades, and exhibition events.
Relating to
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Here are the pets that can no longer be kept at home under the new law
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One of the most debated aspects of the new Animal Welfare Act concerns singing birds, including canaries and finches, and the regulation around silvesterism. The law shapes how these birds are treated, kept, and exhibited, with focus on humane handling and responsible ownership.
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What is brutality?
Silvesterism refers to a pastime that involves capturing, breeding, and training certain wild bird species in captivity. This practice, rooted in traditional southern Spain, centers on teaching wild birds to sing under controlled conditions. It has historically been passed down through generations, often within local communities.
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Silvesterism includes multiple stages, from capturing songbirds to selecting specimens best suited for each song type and training them through various methods. Birds trained in this tradition are sometimes displayed or sold to enthusiasts and participants in singing competitions.
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Finches are among the most common songbird species observed in the wild and discussed in relation to silvesterism. The article explores distinguishing features and notable curiosities about these birds.
Finches: the most common songbird species in the wild
This group is frequently referenced in discussions about silvesterism, highlighting the wide variety of finch species and their roles in both natural ecosystems and human cultural practices.
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Finches are among the most recognizable songbirds in the wild. The finch family is diverse, with several species commonly observed across habitats where songbird traditions are discussed or practiced.
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The goldfinch is one of the most common wild songbirds in certain regions. It belongs to the Fringillidae family and is often found in southern and eastern areas as well as other parts of Europe. Goldfinches are known for their bright coloration and social behavior, frequently forming mixed flocks to forage. Their diet includes seeds and occasional insects, and their plumage typically features striking red, black, white, and yellow accents.
Decapitated canaries or just remnants of feathers in the cage… What attacks them and how to protect them?
Sylvestrismo, a term used in some regions, relates to the keeping and exhibition of wild canaries and other songbirds. The practice has drawn attention from ornithologists who warn about harm to endangered species when birds are captured or bred in captivity. The new law aims to curb practices that threaten wild populations while recognizing the value of responsible breeding and care for birds kept as pets.
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Wild canaries—native to a broader geographic area including several island ecosystems—have historically been kept and bred in captivity to achieve a range of coloration. The practice contributed to a market for pet canaries, though modern law emphasizes humane treatment and conservation of wild populations.
My canary’s crowing is disturbing the neighbors, what can I do?
Canaries are social birds that typically nest in groups and prefer seeds as a primary food source. While they can thrive in parks and gardens, responsible ownership includes considerations for noise, space, and the well-being of the birds themselves as well as the surrounding community.
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Finches are commonly observed and discussed in bird-keeping circles. They are small, ground-feeding birds that form mixed flocks and exhibit a variety of song patterns that appeal to hobbyists. Understanding their care needs helps ensure healthier, longer lives for these birds in captivity.
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Canaries are a group of finch-like birds with several subtypes. They are often found in wooded and urban settings, and their care involves attention to diet, habitat, and breeding considerations. The finch family comprises a variety of species, each with distinct traits and behaviors that hobbyists may find fascinating.
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The European green finch, also known as the greenfinch, is a sturdy passerine that inhabits much of Europe. It typically grows up to around 15 centimeters, with a green plumage that can show yellow underparts in certain lighting. Greenfinches prefer wooded and scrubby areas and often form flocks to forage on seeds, using their strong conical beaks to crack tough husks.
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The term refers to a small passerine bird native to Europe and parts of the Mediterranean basin, known for its modest size and yellow underparts. This bird tends to inhabit open woodlands and tree-lined parks, where it can be observed across seasons.
Why will Sylvestrismo be banned?
The practice of capturing wild songbirds for keeping or selling has drawn strong criticism from ornithologists and conservationists. The concern centers on non-selective trapping methods that can endanger protected species. Environmental authorities highlight the need to protect wild populations while supporting responsible breeding for pets that originate from captivity. The new law clarifies that such activities should be strictly prohibited, though people who value singing birds can still keep birds bred in captivity as pets after proper regulation and oversight.