Walldorf (dpa / lsw) - Because of violations of the nationwide curfew for cats in Walldorf, the Rhein-Neckar district has imposed a fine of 500 euros for the first time. After the publication of the general decree, the affected cat was sighted several times within the danger area of the crested lark, said a spokeswoman for the district office in Heidelberg on Monday - most recently near the brood.
Since this cat has often been observed hunting in the area in question, the Lower Nature Conservation Authority assumes that the crested lark and its young birds are at increased risk. After a "letter of warning" had previously been sent to the owners, they saw no other option than to set the fine threatened in the general decree.
The measure had caused a nationwide sensation and is not without controversy: cats have not been allowed to roam the breeding grounds of the rare crested larks in the south of the city since mid-May and in the next three years from April to August - unless they are put on a short leash or demonstrably do not move in areas where they could pose a danger to the animals.
According to the spokeswoman for the authorities, only two breeding pairs are still present on site. A couple had disappeared from the Walldorf-Süd area for a few weeks for reasons that were not yet known. It cannot be ruled out that it will appear again; in the past year, a couple has been absent at times. At the beginning of the breeding season this year, all three pairs were back.
