Wilhelm Scharinger wanted to move to a new apartment in Vöcklabruck with his partner and pet cat Louis. But now a big problem arose for the 59-year-old: according to the house rules, free-roaming cats are prohibited in the residential complex.
Wilhelm Scharinger (59) no longer understands the world. On July 1, he would move into a new 70 square meter apartment in the center of Vöcklabruck, together with his partner (63) and the beloved cat “Louis”, who has accompanied them both for years. “We live very remote, always need a car and we are not getting any younger. We want to move to the city,” says Scharinger. But now everything could be completely different.
Adventurous outdoor animal
Because when Scharinger received the rental agreement and the house rules for signature two weeks ago, he couldn’t believe his eyes. “It suddenly said that stray cats were prohibited,” says Scharinger. But now his “Louis” is an adventurous outdoor animal. But what irritates Scharinger most of all: “I have said again and again from the beginning that we have a cat that goes outside. Time and again it was said that it was no problem at all. And now this.”
Not willing to compromise
The Vöcklabruck resident contacted the non-profit settlement company that built the apartments. However, they do not want to compromise there and insist on banning cats. “I wonder what the point is because it’s hard to check where the cats come from. I should also ventilate twice a day. ‘Louis’ would be gone soon,” he wonders.
Already invested money
In the worst case scenario, Scharinger will not be able to move into his new apartment, because he will certainly not move in without his “Louis”. “I already have a lawyer who is trying to find a solution. If I don’t move in, I want my money back,” he says. After all, the cat owner has already invested more than 2,000 euros in a shower and paid around 5,000 euros in construction costs.
Nicole Hager-Wildenrotter of the tenants’ association says about the matter: “It would of course be better to reach an agreement in advance. Otherwise you will have to debate in court whether the restriction to free-roaming cats is permissible. A general ban on animals is not permitted.” Unfortunately, the non-profit settlement company left a question from the “Krone” unanswered.
The way people live together must be regulated. House rules are certainly justified, even though you can assume that many rules are often seen as friendly recommendations. It is doubtful whether the ban on free-roaming cats makes sense.
Because very few cats have name tags, and cats that are ‘out of town’ are also very difficult to prevent. The fact that in the case of the ten-year-old cat “Louis” they do not try to make an exception and let him go out probably falls under the category “Vurschrift is Vurschrift”.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
