Bad Kitty: German town grounds cats to save rare birds

BERLIN (AP) — What a cat-astrophe! Authorities in the southwest German town of Walldorf have ordered some cat owners to keep their pets indoors until the end of August to protect a rare bird during its breeding season. The decree is designed to help save the crested lark which makes its nest on the ground and is therefore easy prey for feline hunters. The bird’s population in Western Europe has declined sharply in recent decades. The decree has reportedly prompted meows of anguish from pet owners. Regional daily Rhein-Neckar-Zeitung reported Wednesday that the head of the local animal protection association plans to take legal steps to challenge the decree.