Halfing pays over €10,000 to treat trapped cat

The municipality of Halfing paid more than €10,000 for treatment of a cat found trapped in a tilted-open window, BR reported. The bill has renewed attention to the responsibilities of municipalities and a new cat-protection regulation in Rosenheim district.

The cat, Mucki, was found hanging in the window after several hours and taken to Ostermünchen animal shelter before being transferred to a veterinary clinic. He needed several treatments before being diagnosed with epilepsy. Mucki has recovered and is awaiting a new home at the shelter, although he will need medication permanently.

Halfing covered the veterinary bill after it was sent to the municipality where Mucki was found. Shelter director Tilmann Rieger said found animals are the responsibility of municipalities, and they cannot simply be put down because an owner may still come forward. Some municipalities have agreements with shelters to cover costs through set payments or individual invoices.

Rieger said shelters are running short of space and money. Ostermünchen is currently caring for 140 cats, its highest number yet. He said the shelter would benefit from payments that cover its costs and municipalities contributing to half of veterinary bills.

From February 1, 2027, a cat-protection regulation will apply in five selected municipalities in Rosenheim district: Feldkirchen-Westerham, Pfaffing, Amerang, Griesstätt and Tuntenhausen. Cats there must be neutered, identified and registered in a free pet registry. The regulation is intended to curb the uncontrolled growth of free-roaming cat populations and gives authorities a legal basis to capture, identify and neuter cats without an identifiable owner. The AfD in Rosenheim district has criticised the measure as excessive and plans to raise it in the state parliament.