Authorities in the city of Walldorf in southwestern Germany have ordered some cat owners to keep their pets indoors until the end of August to protect a bird rare during its breeding season.
The decree aims to help save the crested lark, which nests on the ground and is therefore easy prey for cat hunters.
The bird’s population in Western Europe has declined sharply in recent decades.
“Among other things, the survival of the species depends on each chick,” Walldorf authorities said.
The decree applies to all cats in the southern part of the city and will be repeated for the next three years.
The regional daily Rhein-Neckar-Zeitung reported on Wednesday that the head of the local animal protection association was considering taking legal action to challenge the “disproportionate” order.
euronews Gt