Prosecutor's office in Schwerin examines hundreds of reports regarding dead humpback whale

The dead humpback whale Timmy is keeping the judiciary in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern occupied with unprecedented effort. The Schwerin prosecutor's office is currently reviewing a three-digit number of reports and tips submitted by citizens – not only from the region, but from across the country.

Among the incoming cases are also reports against Environment Minister Till Backhaus, according to NDR. The allegation: the minister did not react quickly enough or did not do enough to protect the animal. What specific offences underlie the reports has not yet been fully made public.

Judiciary reviews hundreds of reports

The authority is working to review and assess the multitude of reports. In doing so, the prosecutor's office must examine which reports contain any indication of criminal conduct and which are rather emotional reactions to the animal's death. The case shows how much the fate of the humpback whale has moved the public – for weeks, Timmy was stranded in Schwerin Bay and was cared for by rescue workers and volunteers before the animal eventually died.

The reports may be directed against various parties: authorities, private individuals or organisations involved in the rescue or handling of the whale. The prosecutor's office must now examine in detail whether there were violations of animal protection or environmental laws during the rescue operation or in the preparation phase.