Animal cruelty investigators are hunting an electric scooter rider who ploughed through a flock of geese – leaving at least one dead and others injured. The RSPCA said the shocking incident occurred by a canal path by Anchor Field in Leigh, Greater Manchester, and witnessed by horrified passersby at 7pm on Friday 18th July.
It’s claimed the man, in his 20s or 30s, was riding an electric bike that resembled a motor scooter, when he rode “directly into a group of geese at speed.” It resulted in one goose needing to be put to sleep due to severe injuries and others feared dead, with one seriously injured and bleeding bird limping into the water and not seen since – also feared dead.
A third goose was also injured and also left the area so it’s not known if it also died or is still needing help.
Angry 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.”
The male on the scooter is described as being in his 20s or 30s, riding a dark-coloured or navy-blue electric scooter.
He was wearing a cap and had medium build with curly “curtain-style” hair. The scooter was seen travelling at high speed along the canal path when the incident occurred.
The RSPCA said: “The shocking event took place, near the canal path by Anchor Field in Leigh, and was witnessed by horrified members of the public at around 7pm Friday 18 July.
“Three geese were struck by the electric scooter. One bird was found with catastrophic injuries, including a collapsed neck, heavy bleeding, and possible eye trauma.
“A second goose, bleeding, managed to get back into the water but has not been seen since and is feared to have died. The condition of the third goose remains unknown.
“The animal welfare charity is now appealing for anyone who may have information about the incident to come forward to assist them with their inquiries.”
The RSPCA is now appealing for further witnesses and any CCTV or Ring doorbell footage from homes in the Anchor Field, Vulcan Gate or Canalside Gardens area of Leigh, from around 7pm on 18 July.
Rachel added: “We’ve already received multiple calls and messages from concerned members of the public and are grateful for their help.
“We know there are many homes in the area with security cameras and doorbell footage – this may be key in helping us identify the scooter rider.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact the RSPCA appeals line number on 0300 123 8018 and refer to incident number 01580380.