School children horrified after goose attack at Barrow reservoir

School children spotted the bird in the water at Ormsgill Reservoir with its wing almost entirely ripped off.

Gary Kirby, local resident and member of Friends of Ormsgill Reservoir, waded into the waters on Tuesday (April 16) to rescue the injured animal with a carrier.

"This has to stop," Gary said: "This is the third attack on the reservoir and the third death in under 12 months. 

"Dogs need to be kept on leads and this has been reported to police under log number135/ 16/4/2024.

"This animal was savagely ragged and we have around two dozen baby goslings here that we also need protect."

Gary held the goose in the water until local animal rescuer and marine mammal medic Rachel Wilson arrived. 

She rushed the goose to Wild Side Vets where it was seen to immediately. Despite the quick assessment, the bird was unable to be saved.

Rachel said: "The wing was very badly damaged to the point that all of the bones in the shoulder had snapped.

"It was verified by the vet that it was a dog attack and most likely had hold of the goose and shook it to cause all of that damage.

"Unfortunately, due to someone's absolute carelessness and disrespect, this poor creature had to be put to sleep.

"By the time she was at the vets she was that weak she couldn't even support her weight.

"The saddest part of it was that we discovered that the injury wasn't fresh and looks like she had been suffering for days with these horrific injuries and some of the skin was turning necrotic.

"We sadly lost two swans on the reservoir last year due to dog attacks and now it appears history is repeating itself. This is a callout that should never happen.

"Please guys, show some respect. It is against the law for dogs to be off lead.

"Bearing in mind that it was school children who also reported this and had to witness that injury.

A spokesperson for Cumbria police said: "Police received a report at 3.34pm on April 16 that a goose at Ormsgill Reservoir in Devonshire Road, Barrow had suffered injuries consistent with a dog bite.

"Enquiries have been carried out into the incident.

"Police would advise people to always keep your dog under control around other animals."