Emus in care of keeper after further breakout in Hadleigh

On Monday, police confirmed reports of sightings of multiple emus around Hadleigh.

The flightless bird was first spotted in Toppesfield Close and later in the High Street, where one reportedly caused a van to swerve.

The animal was first spotted on Toppesfield Close (Image: Contributed) (Image: Contributed)

READ MORE: Suffolk Police

Suffolk Rural, Wildlife and Heritage Police has confirmed that three birds once again broke out from their enclosure and roamed the streets of the town. 

Following the consecutive breakouts, officers discussed their concerns with the owners who agreed to relinquish the animals.

READ MORE: Travellers told to leave town's playing fields

It has been confirmed that an experienced local emu keeper will now take care of the birds from now on.

They have now been collected and have joined another emu and various other animals in a spacious rural smallholding.

They have joined another Emu in a spacious rural smallholding. (Image: Contributed)READ MORE: Garden centre run by family for 42 years to be taken over

Sergeant Chris Green from the RAWPT said: “I appreciate that this would have been a difficult decision for the owners to relinquish their animals which they were clearly very fond of.

"I am grateful to them for making the responsible decision which is in the best interests of the birds' welfare, but also the right decision for the residents of Hadleigh."

A spokeswoman from Babergh District Council said earlier this week: “This is no laughing matter for residents who have raised concerns over the welfare of the birds and for wider public safety.

“These birds are not covered by legislation that we regulate (for example the Zoo Licensing Act 1981 or the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976), so a licence isn’t required to keep them.

"However, our community safety team is now in discussion with police colleagues to see how we may help to resolve the matter in the interests of all concerned.”