Ostrich family on the run in Ayrshire
Animal welfare officers are warning members of the public not to approach the adult ostrich.
A family of ostriches are on the run in a village in Ayrshire, animal welfare officers have warned.
The Scottish SPCA say that there have been several sightings of an adult ostrich with its young in Patna, East Ayrshire.
Members of the public are being warned not to approach the birds, as adult ostriches can be 'extremely aggressive'.
Animal rescue officer Alistair Hill said it is unclear where the ostrich has come from.
He said: "Anyone in the area who spots the ostrich or its young should call us as soon as possible on 03000 999 999 so we can keep an eye on where these birds area.
“We are warning members of the public not to approach the adult ostrich and to especially avoid approaching its young as ostriches can be very protective and can become extremely aggressive.”
Sightings of the ostrich should be reported to our animal helpline on 03000 999 999."
Livestock keepers are being urged to stay vigilant for Bluetongue (BTV-3) following confirmation of the disease in a ewe. The case, confirmed in Staffordshire on 23 June 2026, represents the first confirmed case of infection this summer.
