Neckarwestheim in turmoil: Snowy owl Luis stolen from the aviary!
A snowy owl named Luis was stolen in Neckarwestheim. Police are looking for witnesses to clarify the whereabouts of the protected animal.

Neckarwestheim in turmoil: Snowy owl Luis stolen from the aviary!
On the night of June 11th to 12th, 2025, a snowy owl was stolen from an aviary in Neckarwestheim. The owner, Uwe Haegler, noticed the bird's absence around 5 a.m. He assumes that the owl, which goes by the name Luis, was stolen. The incident is believed to have happened between 7pm on Tuesday evening and the discovery on Wednesday morning. According to Stimme.de it is assumed that an unknown person entered the garden of the house on Ländelstrasse without authorization.
The keeping of snowy owls in Germany is strictly regulated, for which Haegler has the relevant permit. Haegler expresses great concern for the well-being of his owl. “If Luis doesn’t eat for five days, her life could be in danger,” he explains worriedly. His suspicion that the owl was stolen increased because he had initially thought about a possible trip by Luis. However, he emphasizes that snowy owls are not great flyers and tend to stay on the ground.
The police are looking for witnesses
The local police, who are handling the case, are asking the public for help. Information about the whereabouts of the snowy owl or the perpetrator can be reported to the Lauffen police station on 07133 2090. In the last few days, Haegler has been looking for Luis on his own, investing up to two hours a day. However, he found no evidence of a possible attack by another animal, as neither blood nor feathers were discovered. The police believe it is possible that someone deliberately entered the garden, which is why they are relying on the community's help to find out more about the incident. SWR.de reports that Haegler was advised to throw a cloth over the owl if it was found to secure it.
Haegler tells the press that the chances of finding Luis are decreasing with each passing day. Still, he remains optimistic that his snowy owl could emerge unscathed. The concerns about the owl are not only an expression of Haegler's affection, but also a reflection of the special requirements that are placed on keeping such protected animals. The situation sheds light on the challenges pet owners face when it comes to the safety and security of their animals.