Residents of three villages in the Astrakhan region of Russia complained after the camels caused significant damage and distress following their release by 83-year-old owner, Yuri Serebryakov.

Mr Serebryakov, the owner of the animals, has refused to take responsibility for them since their release, the BBC reports. He says that he can no longer take care of them due to his age and is looking to sell the camels.

One local resident, Yelena Bakhtemyeva, complained that the camels had become “really aggressive,” adding: “If you look one directly in the eyes… the animal chases you, and you have to run away.”