Walldorf (dpa / lsw) - After a three-month curfew, cats are allowed to move freely again in Walldorf. Two weeks earlier than planned, the lockdown for cats in the Rhein-Neckar district, which is unique in Germany, ended on Monday. Thanks to the weather conditions, the young crested larks, which are threatened with extinction, have developed so far that they are no longer at risk. That is why free-roaming cats are allowed to leave the door early, the office justified the step.
At the same time, the authority made it clear that the original general decree was not rescinded with this partial change. "It will continue to apply until 2025 - from April 1st to August 31st inclusive," said the authority, to which some cat owners had lodged an objection. A fine of 500 euros was imposed on one owner. According to the office, his animal had been observed hunting near the breeding area of the birds in the south of the village. The order came into force at very short notice in mid-May and caused a nationwide sensation and a lot of criticism.
The office justifies the order with reference to only 60 breeding areas in the country. The cats pose a considerable danger to the ground breeders, who only look for food on the ground. In Walldorf-Süd there were only three breeding pairs last year. Animal rights activists, on the other hand, drew attention to the predicament of the cats, who were used to being outdoors.
Cats are exempt from the ban if they are kept on a short leash or verifiably do not move in areas where they could pose a danger to the young animals.
