Ostrich Gustav suffers from impotence because of firecrackers in Germany

Three teenagers may face a hefty fine if a court decides their festive firecrackers outside an eastern German farm scared the libido right out of an ostrich named Gustav.

Photo: Ostrich Gustav suffers from impotence because of firecrackers in Germany

Ostrich Gustav suffers from impotence because of firecrackers in Germany

Rico Gabel, a farmer in Lohsa, northeast of Dresden, is claiming EUR 4,900 ($6,450) in damages for the alleged antics on Dec. 27-29, 2005, by the three youths, aged 17-18.

The farmer claims that fireworks set off by the boys made the previously lustful Gustav both apathetic and depressed, and thus unable to perform for a half-a-year with his two female breeding partners, according to the lawsuit, the AP said.

Before Gustav regained his sex drive in the second half of the year, the farmer estimates he lost out on 14 ostrich offspring - worth EUR 350 ($460) apiece.

The suit is due to be heard next Monday in a regional court in nearby Bautzen, the court said Monday. The teenagers were not identified by name.