Greifswald restricts the robotic lawnmower: nights protected for hedgehogs!

Greifswald restricts the robotic lawnmower: nights protected for hedgehogs!

In Greifswald, there is a significant change for garden lovers who use the robotic lawnmowers. The city has decided to take measures to protect the hedgehogs and other nocturnal animals located there. For example, a ban on the night is to be introduced for the popular garden helpers, such as nordkurier.de.

The application is entitled "Animal -friendly Greifswald: Igelpopulation protect" and was introduced by the "Alternative List*Tierschutz*party" faction. Robert Gabel from the Mensch Party Environmental Animal Welfare explained that the use of robots at night is dangerous for the hedgehogs, since many models do not have the necessary sensors in order to recognize the small, in need of protection in good time. In Germany, around four million euros would be required for the care of injured hedgehogs annually - not to mention the veterinary costs. Therefore, a ban in the night hours is urgently needed, since the animals are actively looking for food during this time.

faction and opinions

The citizenship of Greifswald also approved in a vote, with 27 votes for the application, while the AfD clearly opposed it with its five votes. Nikolaus Kramer, the leader of the AfD faction, expressed concerns about the control options of the regulatory office and spoke out against the night driving ban. Fork, on the other hand, emphasized that there are already many nocturnal bans in gardens and that the population is required to be informed.

The situation is similar in other cities. According to zdf.de, among other things, Cologne and Leipzig have introduced similar bans to the protection of hedgehogs and nocturnal animals. In Leipzig, for example, around 400 hedgehogs are injured by robots annually, of which about 10 percent do not survive. There, the ban on 30 minutes before sunset up to 30 minutes after sunrise applies. In the event of violations, fines of up to 50,000 euros.

The role of the Greens

The concern for the hedgehogs is not only limited to Greifswald. The Greens also call for a nocturnal ban on robots and are committed to ensuring that this ban is laid down in the Bavarian Nature Conservation Act. In their appeal, they emphasize that the natural protective reflex of the hedgehog - rolling into a ball - makes them a light target in the silhouette of a robotic robot. Between June 2022 and October 2023, 370 hedgehogs were reported with cuts nationwide, whereby almost half of these animals did not survive, such as Zeit.de reported.

The requirements for robotic lawnmowers could also be strengthened by a recommendation for models with advanced sensors that can recognize and bypass obstacles. The discussion about the nocturnal use of these devices raises many questions, especially how to monitor compliance with the bans. But one thing is clear: the love of animals and respect for our nocturnal roommates are essential in the current debates.