Veterinary office informs: The use of robotic lawnmowers endangers hedgehogs and small animals
28.03.2025
In spring, many garden owners start mowing the lawn again. As Monika Grimm, Head of the Veterinary Office of the City of Offenbach, reports, the number of injured hedgehogs at the Waldzoo rescue center is steadily increasing. One of the main reasons for this is robotic mowers, which are increasingly being used in gardens at home.
From September 2024 to March 2025, a total of 220 hedgehogs were handed in at the Waldzoo, 36 of which had been injured by robotic mowers, twelve of them seriously. 80 percent of the hedgehogs handed in came from the city of Offenbach.
Mowing robots are sometimes so quiet that they are not noticed by hedgehogs, toads and other reptiles. In addition, hedgehogs do not flee when danger threatens, but instead curl up and lie motionless. This leaves them defenceless against the rotating blades.
Monika Grimm, Head of the Veterinary OfficeThe smaller hedgehogs in particular are at risk, as they do not make any pain sounds and then die in agony.
Grimm appeals to all garden owners who do not want to do without the use of a robotic lawnmower: "Walk the area beforehand to ensure that there are no animals in the working area of the robotic lawnmower. Please only use the device during the day, as hedgehogs are nocturnal and use robotic lawnmowers with centrifugal blades that fold away when touched."
Press release and flyer of the State Animal Welfare Officer of Hesse:
Veterinary and Consumer Protection Office
Stadt Offenbach am Main - Rathaus
Berliner Straße 100
63065 Offenbach
Postal address
Stadtverwaltung Offenbach
63061 Offenbach
Notes on accessibility
WC
Barrierefreier Zugang
Wheelchair access: Yes
Elevator available: Yes
Disabled parking spaces are available on Berliner Straße next to the entrance to the Rathaus/Haus der Wirtschaft underground parking garage
Notes on accessibility
Further information
Underground parking garage Haus der Wirtschaft, underground parking garage Rathaus, Berliner Straße 112 - 116;
Underground parking garage Sheraton Hotel, Berliner Straße 111
Opening hours
Monday - Thursday: 08:30 - 15:00
Friday: 08:30 - 13:00
Personal consultations are only possible by prior arrangement or appointment.
Emergencies outside service hours via the Offenbach fire department control center.
Important note - Responsibility:
The Office for Veterinary Affairs and Consumer Protection of the City of Offenbach is exclusively responsible for citizens of the City of Offenbach.
You do not live in Offenbach? Please contact the veterinary office responsible for your place of residence.
Do you live in the district of Offenbach? Please contact the veterinary office of the district of Offenbach.