German youths sued for ostrich attack

BERLIN (Reuters) - A German ostrich owner is suing three youths for allegedly making his bird impotent and depressed by setting off firecrackers next to it, a spokesman for a court in eastern Germany said on Thursday.

The court in the town of Bautzen in Saxony will hear the case on January 15.

The owner of the male ostrich wants 5,040 euros (3,400 pounds) in damages from the youths, one aged 17 and the others aged 18, because he was planning to start an ostrich farm.

"The man claims that he lost out on the possible births of 14 chicks and he also wants compensation for the vet's bills," the spokesman added.