The name Rommel stands for a Field Marshal known as "Desert Fox" and thus one of the most prominent generals of the Wehrmacht. But also for a police dog: The sheriffs in the US state of Florida have recently presented a "Rommel" baptized newcomer.
With the words "Welcome aboard, Rommel!", The sheriff's office proudly presented the newcomer at the end of last week. But the name equality with the Wehrmacht general Erwin Rommel encountered a lot of criticism. "Congratulations, you have nazified the poor dog," wrote a user on Twitter.
The sheriff's office then felt compelled to respond. The ten-week-old hunting dog had been renamed without further ado, reported Fox News.
Rommel had been named by the dealer after a pet from his childhood, it said. But now the dog was renamed "Scout".
Original Tweet accidentally deleted.
Although our new bloodhound was named after a Nazi, it was learned that he was a criminal. MD Meintzschel immediately rectify the issue I renaming him scout! Welcome Scout to LCSO! pic.twitter.com/Fp41rsqtPY
Erwin Rommel (1891-1944) was, among other things, commander-in-chief of the German Afrika Korps during the Second World War. The initial military successes were exploited by the National Socialist propaganda. Due to connections to the resistance he was forced to suicide in 1944. His son Manfred Rommel (CDU, 1928-2013) was for a long time Lord Mayor of Stuttgart.