News NewsUK News RSPCA warns public not to approach Tunbridge Wells Ostrich

The RSPCA is urging the public to stay away from an ostrich that cause traffic long tailbacks on a busy road in Tunbridge Wells on Tuesday. The exotic bird caused chaos for traffic travelling between Rusthall and Speldhurst by running up and down the road chasing cars.
The RSPCA is urging people to stay away from the bird as it is highly dangerous and could easily break someone’s leg. The society also said that another bird escaped last year in West Sussex and evaded capture for two months.


An RSPCA official said that they were ‘not hopeful’ of catching the ostrich, which can reach speeds of 60mph and have a powerful kick that can kill a human. Under UK law the ostrich is classed as a dangerous animal, and although the RSPCA reiterate that the birds are not usually aggressive, it has warned that they can be easily spooked and can cause a lot of harm.
The official told the press, “We are concerned that this bird is running loose and may get hurt or cause an accident and we would urge the owners to come forward and try to recapture their bird”.
A witty Twitter user has grabbed the chance of some fame by setting up an account called TWellsOstrich. Among some of the tweet are ‘@TheOstrichBris do you have any room at the inn tonight? I’m very tired from running around Tunbridge Wells all day!’ and ‘These people called me a fugitive! I am a free range Ostrich I have you know!’