In the City of Buenos Aires, an unprecedented ruling has been issued by the local Public Prosecutor's Office, declaring seven canaries as subjects of rights that were rescued in a raid conducted in 2023. The Specialized Environmental Prosecutor's Office of the City (UFEMA), under the direction of prosecutor Carlos Rolero Santurián, achieved this decision so that the rescued canaries from a case of animal mistreatment can remain in custody at the NGO Pájaro Caídos, instead of being returned to their abuser.
In the raid conducted in 2023, 14 canaries of the species serinus canaria domestica were rescued, found in precarious conditions: overcrowded in rusty cages, lacking necessary ventilation, surrounded by feces, and not receiving veterinary care. Additionally, other wild animals were rescued and transferred to the City Ecological Reserve.
Of the 14 rescued canaries, only 7 survived, leading the prosecution to appeal to the contraventions provided in the Contraventional Code, related to the omission of necessary care affecting animal welfare. Judge Rodolfo Ariza Clerici issued a ruling in favor of UFEMA's request, based on the protection of urban wildlife and respect for animal life, thus allowing for the control of the animals' health, prevention of cruelty, and regulation of their reproduction in an ethical manner.
