In the fall of 2024, more than 40 seals died on Rügen. At the time, experts ruled out natural death. The Stralsund prosecutor’s office has now considered two suspects.
After the death of more than 40 gray seals in a short time outside Rügen in autumn 2024, the Stralsund prosecutor’s office is investigating two suspects. A spokesperson said at the request of the German Press Agency that a violation of the Animal Protection Act was suspected.
“The investigation has uncovered evidence capable of confirming initial suspicions that the two defendants intentionally killed the seals,” the spokesperson wrote. “The defendant has not admitted the charges.” A decision is expected to be made later this year on whether the available evidence justifies charges.
After evaluating the results of the extensive and intensive investigation carried out by the water police, an investigation began. This is about a possible violation of Article 17 of the Animal Welfare Law. This law, among other things, provides for a prison sentence of up to three years or a fine for people who kill vertebrate animals without reasonable excuse or who cause severe pain or suffering due to brutality.
According to experts, the seal could have drowned
In October 2024, more than 40 dead seals were found in a short time, mainly southeast of Rügen. Based on previous investigations, natural death has been ruled out. According to experts at the German Maritime Museum in Stralsund, there is evidence that the seal drowned, for example in a net or trap, which is a stationary device for catching fish. According to authorities, the alleged trap was subtle.
Schwerin’s Minister of the Environment and Fisheries, Till Backhaus (SPD), has repeatedly emphasized that the link between gray seal deaths and fishing has not been proven to date and that the presumption of innocence remains in effect. At the same time, he has issued an emergency measure stating that larger fish traps along the coast can only be installed and operated with special seal protection devices.
After a series of deaths in 2024, the German Maritime Museum in Stralsund, the Southeastern Rügen Biosphere Reserve and the Sea Shepherd organization filed complaints against unknown persons. There has been an increase in the number of dead seals found in 2017. The cause of death of more than 20 gray seals in Greifswald Bodden remains unclear. At that time, seal protection devices were required for fish traps in the Greifswalder Bodden. An investigation by the district attorney’s office into a fisherman who used a fish trap did not result in charges in 2018.
dpa/gub
