A family in Pennsylvania is mourning the loss of their pet emu, Barb, who was tragically killed in a recent incident involving two neighbourhood dogs. The owners, David Callos and Carly Stroman, have expressed their shock and grief over the attack, which they claim was not an isolated incident, as the dogs have previously caused problems in the neighbourhood.
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Barb, a three-year-old emu weighing 160 pounds and measuring six feet in height, was reportedly chased by the dogs through their community in McKeesport, approximately ten miles from Pittsburgh. According to Callos and Stroman, they received alarming news on Tuesday afternoon regarding the incident. The couple alleges that Barb was mortally wounded in the attack, necessitating euthanasia when the authorities arrived on the scene.
Stroman recounted the distressing events to local news outlets, stating, “By the time I got there, McKeesport police had already had to put her down. She was lying in the middle of the road at the bottom of our property line after the dogs had torn her throat out, and the damage they did is just unbelievable.” The couple shared footage of the incident, which reportedly shows the two dogs chasing Barb before the attack unfolded.
The couple argues that this incident was not a surprise, as they have had ongoing issues with the same two dogs. They claimed that the fence meant to contain their emus had been compromised, allowing the birds to escape and the dogs to enter their property. Callos proclaimed, “They pushed the fence in and that’s how they were able to get in and that’s how the emus were able to get out! Otherwise, they are contained 100% and they are a docile animal.”
Stroman further alleged that the dogs had previously killed eight of their chickens in a single day, demonstrating a pattern of aggression. The McKeesport Police Department, along with animal control officials, are currently investigating the incident to determine the facts surrounding the attack.
In a counter-statement, the family of the two dogs involved in the attack has claimed that their pets are not a danger to humans, asserting that they have no record of aggression towards people, only towards livestock. Constance Alexander, the daughter of the dogs’ owners, stated that the dogs were secured in a fenced area at the time of the incident. She expressed her belief that the dogs are not vicious and remarked, “I’ve watched these kids crawl all over these dogs.”
Despite this assertion, Alexander admitted accountability for the incident and mentioned that if it were determined that the dogs need to be put down, her family would accept that decision.
In the aftermath of Barb’s death, Stroman has renewed her efforts to fundraise for the relocation of their remaining emus. Earlier this year, she had initiated a GoFundMe campaign for this purpose, citing concerns about the safety and wellbeing of the birds as primary motivations. “Our emus became locally (and TikTok) famous for wandering the neighbourhood, popping up on the streets, and charming people wherever they went,” she mentioned in the fundraising appeal. The couple has since secured a new property that offers five acres, which they believe will provide sufficient space for their emus to thrive.
Stroman is now focusing on raising funds not only for the relocation of their remaining five emus, who are also used for breeding, but also to cover potential repairs and legal costs associated with the attack. Callos has indicated that they are considering legal action regarding the incident, as they view Barb as livestock and thus deserving of legal protections.
“I want those two dogs put down before I have to,” Stroman expressed in the wake of the attack. The family is hoping for a response from law enforcement, believing it is crucial that action is taken to prevent further harm to any animals in the future.
As investigations continue, the community has rallied around the couple in support. Local residents have shared their outrage over the incident and expressed their condolences to the family. McKeesport police have not yet provided additional details concerning the ongoing investigation but are expected to release more information as it becomes available. As the family navigates this painful loss, they remain committed to ensuring the safety of the remaining flock.