Woman calls 911 to report escaped emu

WEST GREENWICH, R.I. (WPRI) - An emu is back on a West Greenwich farm, after escaping and causing chaos throughout a neighborhood.

The bird's owner, Jon Lonngren, said the big flightless bird escaped over the weekend from his farm on Robin Hollow Road. Phone calls poured into police from neighbors who spotted the feathered friend.

911 Dispatcher: West Greenwich Police, Dispatcher Etchells.

Caller: Hi, my name is Debbie Foley and I'm house-sitting for my brother and I've just seen a big chicken run across my yard. Oh my God, I'm afraid to take my dog out! Did anybody report it missing?"

911 Dispatcher: Actually, yes, and dozens of people reported sightings.

After two nights on the run, and emus can run, up to 30 miles an hour, Jon Lonngren and the town's animal control officer caught the emu.

"I grabbed it by the neck and we guided it, got it into the animal control van and brought it home," said Animal Control Officer Wendy Taveres.

The bird's owners are glad for the safe return of their bird.

"I wish the fence worked better. It was an experiment. We didn't really know what we needed," said Jan Lonngren.