Erfurt protects hedgehogs: Morava night driving ban remains!

Erfurt protects hedgehogs: Morava night driving ban remains!

in Erfurt has been a new night driving ban for robotic lawnmowers since July 2. This ban was enacted by the Environment and Nature Conservation Office and refers to all areas- privately, commercially and publicly. The aim is to protect hedgehogs and other nocturnal animals, the number of which decreases in urban areas. This problem, which was also recognized in other cities such as Cologne and Leipzig, ensures that action is required. Robotic lawnmowers that are on the road are a serious threat to these animals, especially since hedgehogs are looking for food and strip around on the lawn in the dark. According to ZDF , for example, around 400 hedgehogs can be injured in Leipzig, for example, many of which die from their injuries.

The regulation in Erfurt stipulates that robotic lawnmowers may not be operated half an hour before sunset and half an hour after sunrise. In the event of violations, sensitive fines of up to 50,000 euros threaten. The city also plans random checks to ensure compliance with the ban. In addition, exceptions can be applied for if it is demonstrated that no animals are harmed. However, caution is advised, because the requirements are high.

a trend towards more animal welfare

The night driving ban is part of a larger trend that is also evident in other cities. As the Süddeutsche Zeitung reports a nationwide prohibition that is used to use the robbery at twilight and night Surfaces should prohibit. The natural protective reflex of the hedgehog makes them particularly susceptible to the autonomously moving mowers. Again and again experts report terrifying cases in which hedgehogs were mutilated by the machines.

In addition, specialists when buying robots, devices with sensors that are trying to identify and bypass obstacles. These recommendations are part of the endeavor to make dealing with the devices more secure for the wildlife, while the discussion about further legal measures is intensified. The Federation for the Environment and Nature Conservation Germany (BUND) even considers a nationwide night driving ban for robotic lawnmowers to be necessary, since the hedgehogs are under protection and are even useful in the fight against pests.

With the introduction of such prohibitions, it can be seen that the topic of animal protection is increasingly focusing on. It remains to be seen how successful the implementation of the regulations in different cities will be and whether a uniform approach will soon become a reality. One thing is certain: the cities must ensure that the animal inhabitants of the city are protected as well as their human inhabitants and this only succeeds with a clear and consistent legal basis.