Cat protection regulations in Donau-Ries: Suffer less, fewer cats!
Cat protection ordinance in the Donau-Ries district: Measures to reduce the free-living cat population from 2025.

Cat protection regulations in Donau-Ries: Suffer less, fewer cats!
The problem of stray cats cannot be overlooked in the Donau-Ries district either. Here, many wild cats hide in barns and are often sick or neglected. In recent years, the population of free-roaming cats has increased significantly, leading to various health and social challenges. The veterinary office is now taking this situation to heart by introducing regulatory measures.
How Augsburger Allgemeine reports, the neighboring district of Aichach-Friedberg has already issued a cat protection ordinance for some of its municipalities. This regulation requires that all free-roaming cats must be neutered and marked with a tattoo or chip. The aim of this measure is to curb the uncontrolled increase in the cat population. Something similar happened in the Donau-Ries district in 2023, where a test arrangement was launched for the towns of Rettingen and Sulzdorf.
The new cat protection regulations in the Donau-Ries district
The cat protection ordinance is being tested in several communities and parts of communities, including Sulzdorf, Rettingen and other Schwaigen such as Birkschwaige and Rotahnenschwaige. This decision was made due to the alarming increase in the cat population, such as Donau-Ries Current reported. In addition, the free cats are under enormous pressure as they suffer from various diseases that are promoted by their uncontrolled reproduction and poor living conditions.
The regulation has several goals: Reducing the number of cats is intended to reduce pain and suffering among the animals. Common diseases such as cat flu, lack of food and parasite infestation are widespread. In addition, many cats suffer from injuries caused by territorial fights, which drastically reduces the chances of survival, especially for young animals.
Comparison to other cities
A look beyond the borders shows that similar measures have also been taken in other cities such as Berlin. The local cat protection ordinance (KatSchutzV), which has been in force since June 8, 2022, ensures that unneutered cats are no longer allowed to run uncontrolled. Owners of a neutered cat are obliged to mark them accordingly. Such regulations are intended to interrupt the reproductive chain, which could also be exemplary for the Donau-Ries district. The Berlin regulation aims to reduce territorial fights and thus the suffering of cats, which also offers a valuable perspective for the situation here berlin.de describes.
The challenges the cat faces are clearly defined. The next step in the Donau-Ries district should now be to ensure that these measures are also supported by the citizens. This could lead to successful collaboration for better animal protection, ultimately making life easier for both cats and people in the region.