Argentine parrot and Kramer parrot: not everything goes for population control.
Irene Jiménez López. A lawyer. Member of the Commission for the Defense of Animal Rights of the Illustrious Bar Association of Sabadell.

"According to data from the census carried out three years ago by the SEO / Birdlife organization, it is estimated that in 2015 there were around 20,00 Argentine parakeets in Spain [1] and 3,000 Kramer parakeets [2].
The Argentine parrot is native to South America and the reason for its introduction in Spain has been trade
intended for sale as an ornamental bird or as a companion animal. Therefore, the existence of feral populations is due to deliberate escape or release of individuals held in captivity [3].
The first sightings of this species of parrot date from 1975 in Barcelona (in the Ciutadella park) [4] and from 1985 in Madrid [5].
Kramer's parrot comes from sub-Saharan Africa and India. As in the case of the Argentine parrot, it was introduced to Spain through trade directed at animal shops and zoological nuclei, and its existence and nesting in freedom began as a result of accidental or intentional releases, approximately in 1983 [6].
It is estimated that Spain legally imported more than a million psittacines (the scientific name of parrots) from at least 1986 (the first year in which there are official records) until 2015 [7].
In addition, it must be taken into account that, as pointed out by SEO / BirdLife, "all illegal trafficking of exotic species reaches Spain, which later ends in Europe" [8].
In short, we find some animals, the Argentine parrots to a greater extent but also the Kramer parrots, which have suffered and suffer frivolity and human insensitivity twice. In the first place, being commercially exploited, which led them to be captured from their habitats and end up living in captivity in another corner of the world. And, secondly, because, now, those living in freedom are massacred by administrations that only consider annihilation as the only method of population control.
Both the Argentine parrot and the Kramer parrot are species included in the Spanish Catalog of Invasive Exotic Species, regulated by Royal Decree 630/2013, of August 2.
First of all, it should be borne in mind that Law 42/2007, of December 13, on Natural Heritage and Biodiversity defines as an invasive exotic species all that "that is introduced or established in a natural o semi-natural ecosystem or habitat and that it is an agent of change and a threat to native biological diversity, either due to its invasive behavior, or due to the risk of genetic contamination ”(art. 3.13 of th Law).

However, only those invasive alien species and subspecies that constitute a serious threat to native species, habitats or ecosystems, agronomy or economic resources associated with the use of natural heritage will be included in the Spanish Catalog of Invasive Exotic Species. ”(Art. 64.1 of the L
The inclusion in said Catalog implies, on the one hand, “the generic prohibition of possession, transport, traffic and trade in live specimens, their remains or propagules that could survive or reproduce, including foreign trade ”(art. 64.5 of the Law)
and, on the other hand, the authorization by the competent authorities of "capture methods and conditions (...) for the control, management and possible eradication" of these species (art. 10.5 of the Ro Decree).
However, it is important to emphasize that these population control measures must be done "taking into account criteria of selectivity and animal welfare" (art. 10.5 of the Royal Decree).
In this sense, the Regulation (EU) no 1143/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council, of October 22, 2014, on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species, stands out, in its recital no. 25, a series of very important indications regarding population management measures for the considered invasive alien species:
"Non-lethal methods must be considered."
"Necessary measures must be taken to save animals during the process from avoidable pain, anguish and suffering". And "the measures adopted must minimize the effects on the species against which they are not directed."
Thus, according to the Regulations, the use of innocuous procedures for the life of the animals must be prioritized, which, moreover, are made with the utmost care being taken, as stipulated in the Royal Decree.
Despite this, many administrations annihilate animals, including parakeets, even by shooting [9], taking refuge in the fact that they are invasive species.
And no, not everything goes when it comes to managing the population of animals considered invaders that, let's not forget, were brought to Spain by the whim and human irresponsibility."