Pennsylvania family's pet emu killed after alleged dog attack
The emu's owners claim the same dogs had previously killed chickens and damaged fencing on their property
A Pennsylvania family is seeking answers and considering legal action after one of their pet emus was killed following an alleged attack by two neighbourhood dogs.
David Callos and Carly Stroman said their 3-year-old emu, Barb, was chased through their McKeesport neighbourhood on July 21 before being mauled by the dogs.
According to the family, they received a call alerting them that the approximately 6-foot-tall, 160-pound bird was being pursued. By the time they arrived, Barb had suffered catastrophic injuries and was euthanised by police.
"By the time I got there, McKeesport police had already had to put her down," Stroman told CBS Pittsburgh, alleging the dogs had inflicted severe injuries.
The couple claimed the dogs had entered their property after damaging a fence, allowing Barb and the family's other emus to escape.
They also alleged the same dogs had caused previous problems, including killing several of their chickens and damaging their fencing.
The McKeesport Police Department told local media that animal control officers and game wardens are reviewing the incident.
The family that owns the dogs said the animals are not dangerous to people, although they acknowledged they may pose a risk to birds.
Speaking to CBS News, Constance Alexander said she could not justify what happened and was prepared to accept responsibility for the dogs' actions.
"If the dogs need to be put down, we will put them down," she said.
Before Barb's death, Stroman had launched a GoFundMe campaign to help relocate the family's emus to a larger five-acre farm, explaining that the birds had become locally popular and gained attention on TikTok.
Following the attack, the fundraising campaign has expanded to include relocation costs for the family's five remaining emus, along with fence repairs and potential legal expenses.
Callos said the couple has spoken with the local dog warden about pursuing civil action, noting that emus are considered livestock and can be costly to replace.