PENNSYLVANIA (WHP) — Two in a Pittsburgh suburb said their pet emu was run down and killed by their neighbor’s pitbulls, CBS Pittsburgh reported.
The chase didn’t last long, but it changed everything for the McKeesport family.
David Callos, who owned the 3-year-old emu, Barb, said the event was a lot like hunting.
Callos and Carly Stroman were called on Tuesday and told that one of their emus had gotten out and was under attack by their neighbor’s pitbulls.
By the time they arrived, the police had already had to put the bird down, CBS reported. Barb was lying in the middle of the road at the bottom of the property line with her throat torn out.
The pair described Barb as nonaggressive, and this was her first time getting out. They told reporters they have had problems with the neighbors and their dogs before, and the neighbors have denied owning the dogs.
“We spoke with the dog warden about pressing charges, at least doing some kind of a civil suit for the killing of the animal. It’s considered livestock, and they’re expensive,” Callos said.
The owners had previously set up a GoFundMe to help fund moving the McKeesport emus away from harm. In an update, the fundraiser shared that the need to move the birds has become dire.
According to the post, the dogs had previously broken through the fence and continue to work at the fence after repairs had been made.
Additionally, Stroman, who started the fundraiser, said they are now responsible for the legal fees needed to bring justice to Barb.
“She did not deserve to be mauled to death, but she sacrificed herself and saved the rest of the mob,” Stroman wrote.
To donate to help the rest of the emus, click here.