In order to ensure the protection of hedgehogs, the city of Leipzig has restricted the operation of robotic lawnmowers at night. The corresponding general order came into force the day after it was published in the electronic official gazette 08/25 of April 19, 2025.
In need of protection and at risk: In Leipzig, new rules are to protect hedgehogs from robotic lawnmowers. / Symbolic image: © pixabay.com
The background to the measure is the observed population decline of the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) in various European countries, including Germany. The main reasons for this are the lack of insects as a primary food source due to pesticide use, light pollution and habitat loss. As a result, small vertebrates are often not recognized as an obstacle and suffer considerable injuries, often resulting in death.
The Federal Nature Conservation Act and the Saxon Nature Conservation Act form the basis for the general ruling. According to this law, robotic lawnmowers may no longer be operated half an hour before sunset. The restriction applies until half an hour after sunrise on the following day.
Exact information on twilight times in Leipzig can be found at wetter.de, for example. Exceptions include the use of lawns on green roofs. The lower nature conservation authority can decide on further exceptions in individual cases, provided a corresponding application has been submitted. This must be submitted either by email to umweltschutz@leipzig.de or in writing to the Office for Environmental Protection.
Controls to ensure compliance with the ban on the night-time use of robotic lawnmowers are carried out as part of ad hoc and preventative patrols by the field service. Information on violations of the general order in force can also be reported to the public order hotline on 0341 123-8888.
According to the Animal Welfare Advisory Board of the City of Leipzig, around 400 hedgehogs were injured by the use of garden machinery such as mowing robots and brushcutters in the city of Leipzig in 2024 alone. In addition, according to the city's Animal Welfare Advisory Board, 35 to 40 hedgehogs were killed by robotic lawnmowers. It is assumed that the number of unreported cases is significantly higher, as injured hedgehogs usually hide and are therefore not found or the carcasses are eaten by other animals.
If particularly protected species, such as hedgehogs, are injured or even killed, this can be punished with a fine of up to 50,000 euros. If the injured or killed animal is a strictly protected species (e.g. sand lizard, green toad, common spadefoot toad, great crested newt or tree frog) and intent can be proven, this can be punished with a prison sentence.
Information on hedgehog protection can be found in the associated flyer at leipzig.de/uiz.
