A man has been charged as police investigate an alleged act of animal cruelty to an emu in the state's north west.
On Monday police were made aware of a social media video circulating, allegedly showing a man pulling feathers out of a distressed emu, while those filming the incident laughed.
Officers from the Rural Crime Prevention Team attached to Orana Mid-Western Police District conducted inquiries, and from information received, it's believed the incident took place on Marthaguy Road at Quambone, near Coonamble, on Sunday.
He was taken to Dubbo Police Station and charged with recklessly beat etc cause prolonged suffering to animal.
The man was granted conditional bail to appear at Dubbo Local Court on Monday, July 22.