Residents and officials in Newport are raising the alarm after a spate of thefts targeting geese from a beloved local park, with fears the birds are being taken to be eaten for Christmas.
Geese Vanish from Black Ash Park
Black Ash Park in Newport is a cherished spot known for its population of geese and ducks, which visitors regularly enjoy feeding. However, the park's feathered residents are now disappearing at an alarming rate. Councillors have expressed serious concern that the missing animals are being linked to upcoming festive meals.
At least five privately owned geese have vanished from the park in just one week. Their owner contacted Lliswerry Councillor Allan Morris, who told the South West Argus: 'Over the last week I've been contacted by the owner, and he's concerned that five of his geese have gone missing and people are taking them for food.' Councillor Morris added, 'They've significantly reduced the numbers and it's no coincidence that Christmas is coming up.'
Community Suspicions and a National Problem
Online, some locals have pointed the finger at migrants, referencing historic concerns over eastern Europeans taking swans and carp from British waterways. The British Poultry Council states that around 250,000 geese are consumed every Christmas across Britain, with each bird typically feeding six people.
This incident is not isolated. In a grim parallel, seventy butchered geese were found dumped in the countryside in Terrington St Clement, Norfolk, on December 15. West Norfolk Council has launched an urgent appeal for information, suspecting a link to Christmas. The gruesome discovery included:
- 31 greylag geese with strings around their necks and breasts removed.
- 39 pink-footed geese, also breasted, found on December 7 in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire.
All the birds had been shot and dumped roadside. Councillor Sandra Squire condemned the act, warning that meat from animals slaughtered without oversight could be diseased and unsafe for human consumption, and that fly-tipping the remains created a health hazard.
Appeal for Vigilance and Legal Sourcing
Councillor Morris has issued a direct plea to the public via an online post: 'Seriously it's not funny. If you see anyone harassing or trying to capture one of the geese or ducks, please challenge them or ring one of the ward councillors and we will notify the owner.' He urged anyone wanting a Christmas goose to 'get one from a supermarket or traditional butchers.'
Newport Police have been approached for comment regarding the thefts at Black Ash Park. The combination of local thefts and the discovery of butchered birds elsewhere paints a worrying picture of illegal wildlife poaching in the lead-up to the festive season.
