Those things were very popular here in Texas (and still are with some people). Emu ranchers were sold on the idea that the meat and eggs sell for an insane price, but were not told that finding buyers is a complete bitch, and that you spend nearly 80% of would-be profit on feed. They can't just graze like cattle.
There were a few cases around here of people dumping them. In actuality, they were just opening the fence, and letting them run free. Unfortunately, emus can be dangerous when provoked. Since their legs are purely muscle, and they have the large nails/claws, they have the potential to shred you in half with one kick.
I wonder why these guys didn't just use a tranquilizer. "Net it, shoot it, get on with your life."©
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