THE RSPCA is appealing for witnesses after a goose was shot dead at Shottermill Ponds on Tuesday lunchtime.
Hammer resident Christine Pescod told The Herald how she was walking past the pond when she found the goose and another bird that had been badly injured.
"One was lying wounded on the grass, with blood pouring down from the beak," she said. "There was a man having his lunch there in his car at 1 pm, when he heard shots."
Mrs Pescod immediately called the police and the RSPCA.When the RSPCA went to the pond on Wednesday morning, the injured bird had gone and police had removed the dead goose. An RSPCA spokesman said that they believed an airgun was used in the incident. "It is frustrating because we don't have any witnesses yet," she said. "If anyone has any information, please call us on 0870 55 55 999."
Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, killing an animal can be punished by up to six months in prison and a £5,000 fine.