An emu that escaped from a Vancouver Island farm was tasered by police on Tuesday after it became aggressive towards officers in the Chemainus area.
At approximately 9:45 a.m., North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP patrol officers spotted an emu on the loose on Chemainus Road.
The 5’ 7”, approximately 100 lbs emu had apparently escaped from a nearby farm and was causing traffic to slow to a crawl.
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To retrieve the scampering flightless bird, officers contacted Coastal Animal Control for assistance and blocked traffic on Chemainus Road in both directions while they attempted to calm the emu.
However, the large bird quickly became aggressive towards the attending officers. RCMP then came up with a plan with Coastal Animal Control Officers and, in order to protect everyone involved, decided to use a taser to subdue the animal.
The taser was effective in bringing down the emu, which was then transported back to its owner at the nearby farm it escaped from.
Police say the flightless bird was uninjured in the incident.
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“Our primary concern is always safety… not only to the public and to our officers, but also to animals,” said Sgt. Chris Swain, North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP.
“We are pleased that officers were able to maintain public safety while using as little force as necessary towards the aggressive emu to ensure its safe return to a nearby farm.”
Check out a photo and video of the escaped bird below:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=721880291574954&set=pcb.443965276187778&type=3&theater&ifg=1
