Disturbing footage shows laughing man cruelly mowing down emus in car

The RSPCA is appealing for information after graphic and violent footage which showed a man mowing down emus in his car went viral online.

A nation-wide hunt is underway after the unidentified man proudly appeared on camera, deliberately hitting a number of the native birds in his car. At least 10 emus were hit in the sickening incident. At this stage, it isn’t known where or when the video was filmed, or who the man is.

In the horrifying footage, a man with a moustache can be seen laughing as he ploughed towards a group of emus that were frantically trying to escape his car. For each emu he hit, the man could be heard counting aloud.

“F****** emus,” the man laughs as he hits the birds. “This is f****** great. Yes.”

As if the attack was a sick game, the man can also be heard praising himself whenever he hit another emu. “I’ve got that one too … and that one.”

Read more: Let’s Talk: Is this animal cruelty or just plain fun?

Many have condemned the sickening attack online, including the RSPCA.

“The RSPCA, like many members of the community, has today been shocked and horrified by footage released on social media, showing a man who appears to be deliberately running down a mob of emus in his car,” a statement read.

“Our inspectors are currently examining the footage to try and determine when and where it was filmed. The video also shows the man’s face, and the RSPCA are asking for help to identify him.”

In addition to the investigation, the RSPCA is calling for the public with any information to contact them in their state, or to contact the police immediately.

“Such horrific cruelty clearly has no place in our society,” the statement continued. “The RSPCA unequivocally condemns this type of behaviour, as it clearly shows a disregard for the lives of these vulnerable native animals, and raises grave concerns about this individual’s capacity for such behaviour.”

Social media has been flooded with comments from people who were disgusted and appalled by the video.

Read more: ‘Deadlier than cyanide’: Australia’s most venomous animals revealed

One person wrote: “I am sharing this in the hope that someone identifies this grub and turns him in!!! I could say so much more if I wasn’t feeling so sick!!”

Another comment read: “And laughing. He should be locked away in a good old fashioned insane asylum for life. He is not normal. I hope he is caught and dealt with severally. Good luck RSPCA.”

A third added: “Get his picture out into the media – nobody should have to watch that sickening video. Those poor emus.”

Do you think Australia needs harsher punishment for people who abuse and mistreat animals like this?