Dade City police officers got an unexpected start to their shift recently when dispatch sent them on an unusual call, an emu had decided to take a leisurely stroll through town. The Dade City Police Department shared the story on Facebook, joking that the call came “before the coffee even had a chance to kick in.”
Officers responded and located the large flightless bird wandering through the area. Emus, native to Australia, can stand nearly six feet tall and run at speeds up to 30 miles per hour, making the capture a genuine challenge for responding officers. The department did not specify the exact street or intersection where the bird was found, but confirmed it was roaming within city limits.
The lighthearted incident gave Dade City residents a reason to smile and drew attention to the occasional reality of rural and semi-rural Florida life, where exotic and farm animals sometimes escape their enclosures and end up in unexpected places. Pasco County, home to a mix of residential neighborhoods and agricultural land, sees its share of loose livestock and exotic animal calls each year.
Officers successfully captured the emu without injury to the bird or personnel. The department did not release information on the animal’s owner or where it was taken following the capture. WFLA first reported the story, which quickly gained attention on social media. The Dade City Police Department used the moment to connect with the community, showing a lighter side of local law enforcement.
Originally reported by WFLA – Pasco County
Sources: WFLA – Pasco County
