It's a quiet spot, almost hidden at the edge of the forest above Hünegg Castle, near Lake Thun, popular with holidaymakers. Only those who look closely notice the small wooden box that resembles a discreet little house. But it has a mission, and it touches the hearts of many animal lovers.
It's in the village of Hilterfingen, in Switzerland, that the first animal hatch has been opened. This pilot project by the Tierklappe Foundation aims to help pet owners who, in desperate situations, see no other way out. Whether it's rabbits, guinea pigs or hamsters, they can be dropped off anonymously rather than being abandoned or neglected.
A box with heart and high technology
The installation is reminiscent of a baby hatch, but it's specially designed for animals, for now only small ones. The wooden box is equipped with a camera, a fan and a solar panel, so that the small animals left there are safe and protected.
After each drop-off, the animal is examined medically, cared for and put up for adoption after about two months. For many small furry animals, it's a second chance to find a loving home.
No box for dogs and cats
As touching as the idea is, the animal hatch in Hilterfingen isn't intended for dogs or cats. The foundation stresses that larger pets need more space and care. For them, shelters and rescue services are available.
The focus is deliberately on small animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs or hamsters, because they're the ones who are often forgotten. Many are bought on impulse and later, when interest wanes, simply abandoned or given away.
"Not a free pass for irresponsibility"
The project is funded exclusively by donations. The foundation's president, Jasmin Reinhard, stresses: "The animal hatch isn't a free pass for irresponsibility, but an alternative to looking the other way."
The aim is to help people who can no longer care for their animal without fear of being judged. At the same time, the initiative must raise awareness: rabbits, guinea pigs and other small animals are often the forgotten victims amongst pets, kept in cages that are too small, poorly fed, quickly pushed aside.
Hope for a new home
In Switzerland, reports of abandoned pets are increasing, especially after the holidays or at Christmas. The animal hatch aims to put an end to this sad trend.
"For many animals, it's the emergency exit," reads the foundation's website. And perhaps the little wooden box at the edge of the forest in Hilterfingen is the beginning of a great movement, towards more compassion, more responsibility and less animal suffering.
