When it comes to cat rescue, Susanne Russy from Mimbach can look back on over 20 years of activity. Committed to the solely donation-funded "Association of Cat Friends Wadgassen" (https://www.katzenfreunde-wadgassen.de), which runs its "Cat House" in Oberwürzbach, she is well acquainted with the topics and facts surrounding this popular pet. Wild cats, in particular, are a problem encountered in many places, not just in Blieskastel. Shy, frightened, and sick, they usually live on remote properties, suffer from injuries, and are no longer able to find food on their own. The situation worsens further due to uncontrolled breeding. The passionate cat lover is also concerned about the strays often found dead by the roadside. Some of the animals found are indeed house cats—outdoor cats that actually have a permanent home and were simply out exploring their territory during their daily roam. They are usually missed by their owners by the evening or the following day, and the uncertainty can be distressing when the whereabouts of a beloved pet are unknown. For this reason, registering one’s cat is recommended to facilitate its recovery. Whereas in the past, a tattoo in the ear was used, today a tiny chip, only millimeters in size, is implanted in the left neck area of the animal. This method has been internationally agreed upon to simplify the procedure. Using a scanner and software, already registered animals can then be easily identified via the database of the State Office for Consumer Protection (LAV), while adhering to data protection regulations, and the owners can be notified using the previously stored contact information.
Commitment in Mimbach
In the course of the recently enacted new cat protection law by the state government in Saarland, the Mimbach local council has now taken the initiative with the support of Susanne Russy, acquiring two appropriate handheld scanners with local council funds and handing them over to the city of Blieskastel’s municipal works yard. This facility is repeatedly confronted annually with stray or found dead animals. Ms. Russy and her dedicated Mimbach animal protection group now work closely with the municipal works yard on any animals found. They not only keep an eye on the cat population in the district but also capture feral cats if necessary and bring them to a veterinarian for medical care, where any unregistered animals are also chipped. Provided the animals are not completely feral and are still “people-friendly,” they are then given a realistic chance of being rehomed. Wild animals, on the other hand, are released after registration. This corresponds to the approach of the new cat protection law. The ministry bears the costs for carrying out the pilot project.
Pet owners responsible under new cat protection regulation
While microchipping for cat owners has previously been voluntary, it can now become mandatory under the new cat protection ordinance that came into effect in Saarland on January 21, 2021, at least if the animals in question roam freely and move within a certain area designated as a "cat hot spot." The law stipulates that in locations with larger cat populations within a radius of 2 km, microchipping and sterilization requirements apply to free-roaming cats. This is intended to ensure that any encountered cat is not mistakenly taken in as a stray and held for adoption while its family is missing and searching for it. Cat owners will thus clearly be held responsible in the future. Microchipping at the vet costs around 25 to 30 euros, while sterilization is about 60 to 80 euros.
The new regulation defines which areas are designated as "hot spots." Citizens, cities, municipalities, or animal protection organizations can report any gatherings of feral cats to the LAV as the responsible enforcement authority. The local veterinary authorities then take over the inspection and assessment of the situation on site and communicate with the LAV, which subsequently, depending on the results, initiates further steps in cooperation with local animal protection organizations and veterinarians, ensuring the registration and neutering of the animals.
The Saarland and the Ministry of Environment and Consumer Protection have taken on a nationwide pioneering role with the new cat protection regulation by now managing the designation of protected areas and the lives of feral cats themselves. Many federal states have instead regulated their cat protection ordinances at the municipal level, thus shifting the issue into the jurisdiction of cities and municipalities, which is more or less effective. The new regulation is a signal and represents an important relief for animal welfare organizations. On the one hand, because legally they were previously operating in a gray area when it came to catching and neutering cats, and on the other hand due to the sometimes immense treatment and neutering costs that they had to bear up until now. (ub)
