Australia emu video: Man arrested over 'horrific cruelty'

Image source, RSPCA/FACEBOOK

Image caption, A video of the incident was shared widely online

An Australian man has been arrested over a video that allegedly showed him deliberately driving his car into several emus.

The footage caused outrage after surfacing online earlier this week. It prompted a nationwide effort to find the perpetrator.

On Friday, police in Victoria said a 20-year-old man faced several charges of animal cruelty.

Animal welfare authorities condemned the incident as "horrific".

In the video, the driver is heard cheering as he strikes the birds on a dirt road with his car.

"This is great - I've got that one too, and that one," he says.

Police said the footage, which shows the driver's face, was filmed in Cowangie, a town about 500km (300 miles) north-west of Melbourne.

Image source, RSPCA

Image caption, Authorities asked for help to find the man in the video

The RSPCA said: "[We] unequivocally condemn this type of behaviour, as it clearly shows a disregard for the lives of vulnerable native animals."

Under Victorian law, people convicted of animal cruelty face up to two years in jail and a fine of A$74,620 (拢41,000; $54,000).

The man will face a court hearing in November.