3 geese found shot, 2 saved
Santa Rosa, CA (US)Incident Date: Monday, Dec 12, 2005
County: Sonoma
Disposition: Open
Case Images: 1 files available
Suspect(s) Unknown - We need your help!
Sebastopol police are hoping the public can provide leads in the killing of three geese and the wounding of a fourth, possibly by a BB gun, at the pond in Ives Memorial Park. The surviving goose and a fifth uninjured bird were at the Bird Rescue Center in Santa Rosa on December 12, 2005 and will be relocated to another area in the city, officials said. "They seem to be close pals," said Martha Bentley, a rescue center board member, describing the birds as domesticated geese.
Cpl. Sean Cuccaro said the shooting was the only case he could recall of intentional harm done to the fowl that fly into Ives Park and become guests of the city, fed by Public Works crews.
"We've always had them," Cuccaro said. "They come and go as they please." Ducks, geese and other waterfowl have taken up residence at the pond, but there are now no birds there, he said.
A Public Works employee notified police of the killings Sunday morning, and officers found three dead geese in the fenced area of the park pond. They were shot with a small caliber gun, possibly an air-powered pellet gun, police said. The projectile passed through the wounded goose's neck, damaging muscles but apparently not harming vital nerves, Bentley said. The wound was cleaned and on Monday the goose was receiving antibiotics and eating with its companion in an outdoor aviary, she said.
"We didn't want to separate them," Cuccaro said, explaining the decision to remove both geese from the park. Where the geese eventually will be sent has not been determined, he said.
Police have no leads in the case, listed as an incident of animal cruelty. Anyone with information about who shot the geese may call Officer Greg Devore at 829-4400. If you have information on this case, please contact:
Officer Greg Devore
829.4400
References« CA State Animal Cruelty Map
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