Thuringia issues dire caution!
In the picturesque region of Thuringia, Germany, a growing concern has emerged regarding the use of automatic lawn mowers. With the increasing popularity of these time-saving devices, the city of Jena, in particular, has expressed concerns about their potential impact on small animals, particularly pets and wildlife.
The primary dangers associated with automatic lawn mowers in Thuringia include the mower bumping into or injuring small pets that sensors fail to detect, as well as the possibility of safety sensors malfunctioning due to dirt or damage, leading to delayed blade stoppage. Children interfering with the mower could also cause minor injuries despite safety features.
To minimize these risks, precautions such as ensuring sensors and safety systems are clean, functional, and regularly tested are essential. Scheduling mowing for times when small animals and children are unlikely to be present outdoors is also recommended. Keeping pets and children supervised and preferably indoors while the mower operates is crucial, as current technology cannot guarantee complete avoidance of small animals.
Selecting models with advanced object detection (ultrasound, cameras) and safety features, including emergency stop, lift detection, and audible warnings, can help mitigate potential dangers. Creating physical barriers where appropriate, such as around ponds or sensitive garden areas, is also advised.
The environmental protection department of the city of Jena has issued a warning about the use of automatic lawn mowers, urging garden owners to consider their animal neighbours when gardening. They recommend avoiding using the mower on edge areas, hedges, or under shrubs that serve as retreats for small animals.
It is crucial to inspect the area before mowing, as animals may be hiding near leaf piles or compost sites. A wild corner with leaves, dead wood, or native flowering plants offers habitat for many species - from hedgehogs to butterflies. However, the use of automatic lawn mowers poses a serious threat to these creatures.
Hedgehogs, a potentially endangered species under special protection, are particularly at risk. Veterinary practices and wildlife stations in Thuringia regularly report severe injuries or deaths caused by home lawn mowers. As a result, there is a growing awareness in Thuringia about the dangers associated with automatic lawn mowers.
Violators who injure or kill animals of these species may expect significant fines. The city of Jena in Thuringia is raising an alarm about the potentially fatal consequences of convenient lawn care. Instead, they encourage the creation of wild corners that can benefit animal protection.
In summary, while automatic lawn mowers are generally safe if maintained and used properly, they require vigilance due to limitations in detecting and avoiding small animals. Supervising pets and children, maintaining sensor systems, and using advanced safety features are important precautions to reduce potential dangers.
- The environmental protection department in Jena, Thuringia, advises garden owners to be considerate of small animals when using environmental-science products like automatic lawn mowers in home-and-garden settings.
- Because small pets, wildlife, and potentially endangered species like hedgehogs are at risk of injury or death from automatic lawn mowers, it's essential to regularly inspect areas before mowing and avoid using the mower on edge areas, hedges, or under shrubs that could serve as animal retreats.
- To minimize the dangers associated with automatic lawn mowers, it's crucial to select models with advanced object detection and safety features, regularly test and clean sensor systems, and schedule mowing for times when small animals and children are less likely to be present outdoors.
