CHITTERING: RSPCA Find Bodies Of Four Geese Killed With Shotgun

THE RSPCA is appealing for information after the bodies of four geese were found on the Old West River, near to the Lazy Otter marina and public house in Chittering, Cambridgeshire. The domestic white geese were all dead when they were discovered by a riv

THE RSPCA is appealing for information after the bodies of four geese were found on the Old West River, near to the Lazy Otter marina and public house in Chittering, Cambridgeshire.

The domestic white geese were all dead when they were discovered by a river bailiff on Tuesday, April 14, near to the riverbank. RSPCA inspector Richard Lythgoe removed one of the bodies for a post mortem examination at the society's East Winch Wildlife Centre in Norfolk. Sixteen pieces of shot were found in the bird's body and head. Another of the birds had an injury to its wing, again caused by a shotgun.

It is thought that the birds were all killed some time on Easter Monday as shots were heard in the area.

Inspector Lythgoe said: "Clearly, it is not acceptable for people to use birds as targets and there are potential offences involved. We are investigating this incident along with the police and hope to hear from anyone who knows anything about the attacks."

Those found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal could face a maximum six-month prison sentence and/or a �20,000 fine under the Animal Welfare Act, 2006. Killing or injuring wild birds is also prohibited under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981, and carries a separate punishment of six months in prison and/or a �5,000 fine.

INFO: Anyone with information about these incidents should contact the RSPCA in confidence on 0300 1234 999.