AN ESCAPED rhea has reportedly been shot dead by a gamekeeper concerned the Essex bird would cause a car crash.
Rita, the 6ft flightless bird, escaped from a smallholding on the border of the county in March and concerns arose over the potentially 'dangerous' animal.
But after a lengthy search to bring Rita home police have now confirmed the bird was lawfully shot and killed across the border in Hertfordshire, after fears it would walk into the road and cause a collision.
Gamekeeper Stuart Howe has claimed responsibility for killed the rhea, which has 6 inch claws, and told the Daily Telegraph: "I suppose some people might say it is a shame the rhea is dead but it would be terrible."
A Hertfordshire Police spokesman said: "Police have received notification that the missing Rhea has been lawfully killed near a carriageway in Anstey, as there was fear of it getting onto a main road and causing a collision.
"The owner had previously given permission for the bird to be dispatched if the situation deemed it necessary, which was the case.
"We have spoken to the owner who is aware."
