Youths probed for daubing swastikas on sheep

BERLIN German police said on Thursday they were investigating four youths for spraying sheep with swastikas, the cross-like symbol used by the Nazis.

The youths, between the ages of 15 and 18, painted swastikas on several sheep out of a herd of around 30 near the northwestern town of Etzenborn, police said.

They had also kicked and punched some of the animals and were being investigated for breaking animal protection laws, they added.

"Exactly why the group behaved toward these good-natured beasts in this way is unclear," police said. Enquiries were continuing.

Under German law, displaying the swastika can result in a fine or a prison term of up to three years.