Though some neighbors and residents say it was a shame, a Dorr area family and animal control officers say they had to shoot and kill three emus that broke looke Wednesday near 30th Street.Ellen Feltenbarger and members of her family said they encountered the three exotic birds running amok and tried to deal with them by enticing them with food. Their efforts failed.
They called the Allegan County Sheriff’s office and animal control officers arrived at the scene to try to catch and deal with the emus. Officers said they talked with other nearby farmers and the local veterinarian, but could not find the birds’ owners.
An officer said emus are raised domestic, but are very dangerous birds, weighing about an average of 100 pounds and an adult has very strong legs with very sharp talons.
The officers and Feltenbarger’s father eventually had to shoot and kill the birds.
Ranger Rick has been right all along! One should ALWAYS have a loaded gun at the ready, in case of intruders – or unexpected emus on the loose.