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Three cats thrown out of car: Police ask for witness statements!
On June 26th, three cats were thrown out of a car on the A1 near Ahlhorn. The police are looking for witnesses and informing them about the legal consequences of abandonment.
Three cats thrown out of car: Police ask for witness statements!
A shocking scene occurred on Monday evening, June 26, 2025, at the Ahlhorn motorway triangle in the direction of Hamburg. Three young cats were thrown from a moving car onto the hard shoulder. An attentive witness observed this incident and promptly called the police, who found the animals unharmed and later handed them over to the Sedelsberg animal shelter. The incident not only raises questions about the responsibility of pet owners, but also has legal implications that are worth exploring. NDR reported that the cats come from Moldova and were discovered during traffic checks in Hanover.
The police are asking for the help of witnesses who have information about the incident. Anyone who has seen something can call (04435) 93 160. Such incidents are alarming and raise the question: Why do people abandon their pets like this?
Legal consequences and responsibility
Pet abandonment is considered a misdemeanor or even a criminal offense in Germany, depending on the specific circumstances of the case. How Verivox As explained, owners are legally obliged to ensure the well-being of their animals. The Animal Protection Act stipulates that abandonment is cruel to animals and that both active abandonment and passive abandonment are punishable. Even if nothing happens to the animal when it is released, the mere fact of taking an animal from a safe to a dangerous situation is a punishable offense.
The penalties for abandonment can be enormous: perpetrators face fines of up to 25,000 euros or even imprisonment for up to three years, as enshrined in the Animal Protection Act. The basic reasons for irresponsible behavior are often excessive demands, false expectations, allergies or even the death of owners.
What to do if animals are found?
Anyone who comes across an abandoned animal should first carefully consider what to do. Verivox recommends taking action in the event of suspected abandonment: Neglected animals may be suspected of abandonment. Even with homeless dogs, you should wait and see if an owner shows up. In cases of doubt, it is advisable to contact the police.
There are much more humane alternatives to pet abandonment that pet owners can take advantage of. Dropping off at an animal shelter or staying in a boarding kennel are options that can help in difficult situations. Instead of sacrificing an animal, every owner should consider these options before resorting to extreme measures.
It remains to be hoped that all animal lovers and those responsible in the region will make such incidents a thing of the past and that a greater awareness of the responsibility that comes with animal husbandry will be created.