Police have launched an investigation after a pet ostrich was mauled to death by two dogs as men in camouflage gear shouted 'kill it, kill it, kill it'. The rhea, also known as the South American ostrich, was attacked in a field in the village of Shelf, near Halifax, YorkshireLive reports.
It was left dripping with blood and taken to the vet on Wednesday, November 30, but has sadly has since died. The rhea belonged to farmer Lucy Keegan who described the incident as traumatising.
Read more:
She said four men and two lurcher-type dogs were chasing the birds. The men were shouting 'kill it, kill it, kill it', reports the Daily Star. Lucy ran out to confront them before they fled in a Vauxhall Astra.
Lucy believes the men came to her property in order to kill her rheas 'for the hell of it' and she branded them 'sick'. West Yorkshire Police have launched an investigation into the incident.
A WYP spokesman said: "Many of you may be aware of the incident where a pet Rhea was attacked by a dogs in the Shelf area on the November 30. Sadly the animal has now died as a result of its injuries
"If anyone has any information about who may be responsible for this horrific attack or any dash cam footage of a white Astra van in the area between 1320 and 1400 on November 30 please get in touch. You can make contact by calling 101 and quoting 13220660146 or email ld.wildlifeandruralcrimeteam@westyorkshire.police.uk or call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111."
Read more of today's top stories here
READ NEXT:
- Holidaymakers who couldn't handle their drinks and paid for it
- How Curtis 'Cocky' Warren tried to flood a sleepy island with £1m of drugs
- Greater Manchester weather forecast as temperatures set to plunge amid Met Office UK snow warning
- 'I thought Michael was the one - until the night out I thought he'd kill me'
- First look at Ewe: Restaurant and bar 'brings city centre to the suburbs' with £1m makeover
