Several geese are said to have been mowed down and killed in an e-bike attack by a rider who drove straight in to a flock at high speed.
The RSPCA is appealing for any information after a man is said to have killed the animals near the canal path by Anchor Field in Leigh in Greater Manchester at 7pm on Friday, July 18.
Several geese were directly hit and injured while one was put to sleep because of its injuries.
One bird was found with catastrophic injuries, including a collapsed neck, heavy bleeding, and a possible eye wound.
A second bird bleeding heavily, managed to escape back onto the water but has not been spotted since and is believed to have died from its injuries.
According to the animal charity and several witnesses, the man was riding at speed when he struck the geese in what has been described as a ‘distressing act’.
The public are being encouraged to come forward with any information on the attacker who has been described as in his 20s or 30s, of a medium build and with ‘curtain-style’ hair.
He was seen hurtling down the canal path on a blue e-bike with his face partially covered by a cap.
The RSPCA is appealing for any information on a man (pictured) after several geese were killed and injured on a canal path by Anchor Field in Leigh in Greater Manchester at 7pm on Friday, July 18
The public are being encouraged to come forward with any information on the attacker who has been described as in his 20s or 30s, of a medium build and with ‘curtain-style’ hair
RSPCA Inspector Rachel Whalley said: ‘This was an extremely distressing act. These poor birds would have had no way to escape the high speed of the scooter, and the injuries described are truly horrific.
‘Whether it was lack of care or intentional, the driver of the scooter did not stop to check on the geese.
‘We’re incredibly concerned and keen to speak to anyone who may be able to shed some light on what happened here.’
Greater Manchester Police are not investigating the incident as it is being dealt with by the RSPCA.
The RSPCA is asking for any CCTV or Ring doorbell footage from homes in the Anchor Field, Vulcan Gate or Canalside Gardens area of Leigh, from around 7pm on July 18.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact the RSPCA appeals line number on 0300 123 8018 and refer to incident number 01580380.
For more information about how to report an incident of animal cruelty, visit the RSPCA website.
