LISBON Emus' owner to face 2 counts of cruelty

The rescued birds' health is improving, a humane officer reports.
By NORMAN LEIGH
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
LISBON -- Authorities are seeking a Pennsylvania man who faces criminal charges in the death and injuries of emus belonging to him.
An arrest warrant was issued from Eastern Area Columbiana County Court in East Palestine for a 52-year-old New Wilmington man who is wanted on two counts of animal cruelty.
The charges are second-degree misdemeanors, each bearing a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and a $750 fine.
What happened: Eight of the large birds were found dead in the trailer that authorities say the man used to bring the emus to the Rogers Sale and Flea Market in Rogers Nov. 30.
Several other birds in and around the trailer were near death.
Authorities think the emus, which resemble ostriches, were left in the trailer for days without food.
The man told authorities the birds had been in his trailer for only about four hours.
He said he took them to be sold as pets or meat.
Recovery: Sue Davidson, county humane officer, confiscated about 30 emus, which are being cared for at her home with the support of the Salem Area Humane Society.
"They seem to be doing all right," Davidson said Tuesday. Some birds are still receiving veterinary care.
Pressed for funding, the humane society is seeking donations to help pay for the emus' veterinary care and feeding. More than $150 has been donated so far, Davidson said.
The humane society also is willing to give the birds to anyone able to care for them as pets.
Davidson said she has received about half a dozen calls from Poland, Boardman, Austintown, Berlin Center and Rogers residents interested in adopting the birds.
For more information, contact the humane society at (330) 337-8211.