Neu-Ulm is fighting against uncontrolled cat proliferation: New regulation comes into force!

A new cat protection ordinance was issued in the Neu-Ulm district, which was developed in coordination with the city of Senden. Based on the Animal Welfare Act, the regulation is intended to help control the population of wild cats, as an increase in these animals has been noted in the region. The veterinary office in particular points out various problems that arise from the uncontrolled proliferation of free-living cats.

The challenges include an increased susceptibility to illness, the diseases that are common in free-loving cats such as general illnesses, leukosis, FIP and cat cold, as well as parasitic infestations. Inadequate nutrition also leads to the animals becoming emaciated, which greatly reduces the kittens' chances of survival. The cats fight among themselves, which leads to injuries, and inbreeding can result in a high proportion of deformed or non-viable puppies.

Measures of the regulation

The main aim of the Cat Protection Ordinance is to prevent the uncontrolled reproduction of free-living cats through castration. Free-living cats, which often cannot be placed in households, are caught using controlled traps, neutered and given medical care. The regulation creates a clear legal basis for the capture, identification, registration and castration of these animals.

Cat owners who own free-roaming cats now have certain obligations. Free-roaming cats are not homeless and must receive food and medical care. In addition, identification and registration with a microchip is necessary, which can be done via free pet registries such as Tasso e. V. or FINDEFIX can be done. The owners must also agree to the data being transferred to the authorities. Cats that are already marked with an ear tattoo before the regulation comes into force also meet the marking requirement.

To comply with the regulation, cats over five months old must be neutered in certain protected areas in order to continue to roam freely. The regulation will come into force on April 1, 2025, from which date the catching of wild cats will also begin. The scope includes the urban area of ​​Senden. Mayor Claudia Schäfer-Rudolf describes the regulation as an effective animal protection instrument.

The principles and regulations of this regulation are related to Section 13b of the Animal Welfare Act, which aims to reduce the population of free-living and feral cats and to address the associated problems. The relevant measures include the ban or restrictions on the uncontrolled free exercise of reproductive cats as well as the obligation to identify and register these animals, as also stated on the website Wikipedia is called.